Studies comparing the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual training in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A systematic review

Vicky An Qin Dong, Ivy Hsi Hsuan Tung, Hester Wai Yi Siu, Nai Kuen Fong

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

69 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To review studies comparing the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and bimanual training (BIT) in improving the hemiplegic arm functioning and overall functional performance for children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases, reference lists and journals identified seven studies that met predetermined inclusion criteria. These studies were analysed in terms of participants, treatment activities and regime, outcome measures and results of intervention. Results: Both CIMT and BIT produced similar improvements in the bimanual and unimanual capacities of the affected arm and overall functional performance. Conclusions: CIMT yields more improvements in the unimanual capacity of the impaired arm compared with BIT. A potential benefit of BIT is that participants may see more improvement in both bimanual performance and self-determined overall life goals. A combination of CIMT and BIT could be an option on improving arm function for children with unilateral CP in future.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-143
Number of pages11
JournalDevelopmental Neurorehabilitation
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2013

Keywords

  • Arm function
  • Bimanual training
  • Constraint-induced movement therapy
  • Unilateral cerebral palsy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Rehabilitation
  • Developmental Neuroscience

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