Article

Aim: To examine the influence of combining restraint therapy with bimanual
intensive therapy on the unimanual and bimanual function among children with
hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP). Included were nine children (ages 6-9 yr), with
Manual Ability Classification System scores of 2-3, Gross Motor Functional
Classification System 1-2; Intervention: 10 days, six hours per day including one
hour of restraint followed by five hours of bimanual activities. Evaluations: One
month and immediately prior to the intervention (as the control period),
immediately, two months and six months post-intervention. The Assisting Hand
Assessment was the primary outcome measure, along with the Jebsen-Taylor Test of
Hand Function, the Jamar pinch gauge for grip and pinch, and the Pediatric
Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Results: No significant change was
observed during the pre-intervention control period in any of the outcome
measures; a significant improvement in all outcome parameters was noted after the
intervention as compared to the control period. These achievements were still
significantly higher than baseline values at six months post-intervention.
Conclusion: Children with hemiparetic CP at this level of impairment might
benefit from a short daily intervention program of combining restraint with
bimanual training in order to improve unimanual and bimanual function.

Langue : ANGLAIS