title: Home-based movement therapy in neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A case study.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The value of movement-based therapy in peripheral nerve injury conditions such as neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is unclear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effectiveness of a home-based movement therapy program in a 17 year old female patient with a right NBPP pan-plexopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Home training consisted of arm reaching and object manipulation tasks using devices which recorded performance. Training occurred for 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks with periodic webcam supervision. Pre- and post clinical, functional and kinematic assessments were performed in a laboratory setting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following training, shoulder flexion and elbow extension active range of motion increased by 13° and 9°, respectively, and functional ability also improved. Reach movement duration decreased significantly with a concomitant improvement in movement coordination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results demonstrate that movement therapy has the potential to improve motor function in NBPP years after the initial insult.
  
  
  METHODS
  4.
authors.affiliation: Motor Control Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 1402 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Electronic address: shcb@umich.edu.
authors.forename: Susan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Motor Control Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 1402 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Napier
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Virginia S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Lynda J-S
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Brachial plexus palsy; Peripheral nerve injury; Rehabilitation; Upper limb