Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association

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constraint-induced therapy

Constraint-induced (CI) movement therapy, also known as forced use therapy has been used in the adult stroke population for years. Recently, this type of therapy has gained the attention of therapists who work with children who have hemiplegia.

Constraint-induced therapy focuses on regaining movement on the affected side of the body. More specifically, in children with hemiplegia, it focuses on regaining movement of the affected arm and hand.

CI consists of restraining the non-affected arm, thus forcing the child to learn to move the affected arm. The thought is that this treatment may overcome the effects of learned non-use of the arm and will also ensure that the affected arm has increased practice or use.

Psychological concerns about restraining movement in a child is an issue that need to be considered. Depending on the amount of time in the restraint, there could be the potential to severely limit the developing child's already limited ability to explore and experience his or her environment. Frustration may also be a major issue.

Pediatric Constraint Induced Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Pediatric Neuromotor Research Clinic

Plastic changes of motor network after constraint-induced movement therapy. April 2004. Korea.

Efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy with asymmetric motor impairment Feb. 2004. Alabama.

Pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy for a young child with cerebral palsy: two episodes of care. Nov. 2003. Alabama. DeLuca, Echols, Ramey, Taub.

'Clinical experience of constraint induced movement therapy in adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy--a day camp model'. May 2003. Eliasson, Bonnier, Krumlinde-Sundholm. Letter.

Constraint-induced therapy for a child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A case report

Home forced use in an outpatient rehabilitation program for adults with hemiplegia: a pilot study. Dec. 2003. Philadelphia.

Forced use treatment of childhood hemiparesis, 2002

Forced use treatment of childhood hemiparesis, July 2002. 12 participants, ages 1 to 8 years. Louisiana.

Constraint-induced therapy for stroke: more of the same or something completely different? 2002

Stroke patients' and therapists' opinions of constraint-induced movement therapy

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The information contained in this Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and CHASA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.