title: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy after childhood stroke.
abstract: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate feasibility, tolerability, and effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIT) in children with hemiparesis after arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS). Children with chronic hemiparesis and impaired hand function after AIS had mCIT for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Pre- and post-therapy assessments included indices of sensorimotor function, quality of upper limb movement, functional therapy goals, and child and parent interviews. Of eight participants initially recruited, six (one male, five females) completed mCIT (median age 12y 3mo; range 6y 10mo-15y 2mo). Hemiparesis was predominantly spastic in three participants and dystonic in the others; all had severely impaired hand function. After mCIT there were no significant improvements in sensorimotor function or quality of upper limb movement. However, all children improved in individual therapy goals related to functional performance. Children and parents were positive about mCIT. The use of mCIT is a promising intervention for children with chronic acquired hemiparesis. In this severely impaired group functional improvements were seen after therapy despite unchanged sensorimotor measures.
authors.affiliation: Neurosciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Connelly
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Neville
authors.forename: Faraneh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vargha-Khadem
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jessop
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Vijeya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ganesan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013035:Spasm / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome