OBJECTIVE: We examined the effectiveness of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in treating infants with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and compared therapy outcomes with a nonconstraining bimanual therapy (BIM) of equal intensity. METHOD: In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 33 infants with hemiplegia (mean corrected age 11.1 mo, standard deviation 2.2) received either mCIMT (n = 17) or BIM (n = 16). Both interventions included home programs encouraging the use of the affected hand during daily 1-hr play sessions for 8 wk. Outcome measures were administered pre- and posttreatment and included the Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment for babies and the Functional Inventory. At baseline, parents also filled out the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated a significantly large and equal improvement in hand and gross motor function posttreatment (p < 0.001) and high treatment compliance. CONCLUSION: mCIMT and BIM are equally effective methods for treating infants with hemiplegia.
Copyright by the Amerrican Occupational Therapy Association Inc. Reprinted with permission.

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