title: Efficacy and acceptability of reduced intensity constraint-induced movement therapy for children aged 9-11 years with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Assess efficacy and acceptability of reduced intensity constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Single-subject research design and semi-structured interviews. Children (9-11y) with hemiplegia underwent five baseline assessments followed by two weeks CIMT. Six further assessments were performed during treatment and follow-up phases. The primary outcome was the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function (MUUL). Quantitative data were analysed using standard single-subject methods and qualitative data by thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four of the seven participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in MUUL (3-11%, p < .05). Two participants achieved significant improvements in active range of motion but strength and tone remained largely unchanged. Qualitative interviews highlighted limitations of the restraint, importance of family involvement, and coordination of treatment with education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reduced intensity CIMT may be effective for some children in this population; however it is not suitable for all children with hemiplegia.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kerr
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Cerebral palsy; children; constraint therapy; treatment; upper limb