None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This research project will compare a new intensive upper limb rehabilitation approach (COMBiT- combined constraint induced movement therapy and bimanual therapy) with standard care individual occupational therapy for children with congenital hemiplegia.
Interventions
COMBiT is an intensive group based day program combining two theoretically different interventions: constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) and bimanual upper limb training (BIM). CIMT upper limb training involves restraining the unimpaired limb using an individually tailored 'glove'combined with intense practice of tasks with the impaired limb during attendance at day camp. CIMT is performed first for 6 hours/day for 5 days=30 hours. This is followed by BIM which is based on motor learning a
COMBiT is an intensive group based day program combining two theoretically different interventions: constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) and bimanual upper limb training (BIM). CIMT upper limb training involves restraining the unimpaired limb using an individually tailored 'glove'combined with intense practice of tasks with the impaired limb during attendance at day camp. CIMT is performed first for 6 hours/day for 5 days=30 hours. This is followed by BIM which is based on motor learning and requires individualised 2 handed activities. This will be performed in the second week 6 hours/day for 5 day=30 hours. COMBiT will use a circus based theme for the day camp. The CIMT and BIM interventions will be conducted in a group based format faciliated by experienced occupational therapists and circus trainers.
Sponsors
National Health and Medical Research Council
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
5 Years to 16 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants will have reduced upper limb (UL) function due to predominant spasticity rather than dystonia, and sufficient cognitive capacity to follow instructions and participate in the UL intervention. The study will include school aged children and youth: 1. Confirmed diagnosis of congential hemiplegia 2. Aged 5-16 years 3. Reduced upper limb function due to predominant spasticity rather than dystonia 4. Sufficient cooperation and cognitive understanding to particiapte in the therapy activities.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they have: 1. Fixed contracture or severe muscle spasticity in the designated muscle groups 2. Previously undergone surgery in the UL 3. Received BoNT-A injections within 6 weeks prior to baseline assessments.
Outcome results
None listed