Does intensive upper limb treatment modality Hybrid Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (H-CIMT) improve grip and pinch strength or fatigability of the affected hand?
Issue title: Pediatric Constraint Induced Movement Therapy: Harnessing Adaptive Neuroplasticity
Affiliations: [a] Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Valkenburg and Hoensbroek, The Netherlands | [b] Department Functioning and Rehabilitation, CAPHRI, FHML, UM Maastricht, The Netherlands | [c] Master of Specialised Physical Therapy, AVANSplus, Breda, The Netherlands
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Lieke Brauers, Adelante Center of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Zandbergsweg 111, 6432 CC Hoensbroek, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 45 528 23 58; E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Hybrid-Constrained Induced Movement Therapy
(H-CIMT), defined as CIMT combined with Bimanual Intensive Movement Therapy
(BIMT), on grip and pinch strength and fatigability we measured grip and
pinch strength and fatigability during clinical H-CIMT. METHODS: The children participated in a H-CIMT model organized in a therapeutic
summer-camp. Children received 90 hours of intensive treatment. Grip and
pinch strength and fatigability was measured and fatigue was calculated
according to a Static Fatigue Index (SFI). RESULTS: Pinch strength significantly increased, grip strength did not increase
significantly. A non-significant decrease was seen in SFI in pinch and grip. CONCLUSIONS: H-CIMT showed to be effective in increasing muscle pinch strength in the
AH. Effectiveness in decreasing muscle fatigue during grip and pinch tests
is not yet shown although there was a tendency towards a decrease in muscle
fatigue. However, the long-term effects on these aspects are also important
in future research.
