Modified constraint-induced movement therapy for a 12-month-old child with hemiplegia: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
This case report describes the use of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) to improve upper-limb function in a 12-month-old child with right hemiplegia. It also describes parent concerns about CIMT and documents the short- and long-term effects of modified CIMT.


METHODS
The participant was assessed 5 times over a 7.5-month period using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2, Pediatric Motor Activity Log, Toddler Amount of Use Test, and Knox Parent Questionnaire. CIMT included a nonremovable cast worn on the unaffected arm and approximately 8 hr per week of occupational and physical therapy for 2 weeks.


RESULTS
Benefits of improved upper-limb function measured immediately after CIMT were sustained at 6 months' follow-up. No adverse events related to cast use were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this case report suggest that CIMT was a safe intervention associated with improving upper-limb function for this young child with hemiplegia.
Cope
Steven M
SM
Department of Occupational Therapy, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI 53097, USA. steven.cope@cuw.edu
Forst
Heather C
HC
Bibis
Denise
D
Liu
Xue-Cheng
XC
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009048:Motor Skills; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012149:Restraint, Physical