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constraint-induced therapy

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.

Modified constraint-induced therapy for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: A feasibility study October 2007, Australia

Cortical neuromodulation by constraint-induced movement therapy in congenital hemiparesis: an FMRI study, June 2007, Germany

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy after childhood stroke Jan. 2007, London

Intensive pediatric constraint-induced therapy for children with cerebral palsy: randomized, controlled, crossover trial Nov. 2006, Alabama

Efficacy of a child-friendly form of constraint-induced movement therapy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a randomized control trial. August 2006, New York

Efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy on involved upper-extremity use in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy is not age-dependent. Mar. 2006, New York.

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.

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

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