Intensive upper‐ and lower‐extremity training for children with bilateral cerebral palsy: a quasi‐randomized trial

• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13379
• Publication Date: 2017-01-30T06:17:03Z
• Authors: Yannick Bleyenheuft; Daniela Ebner‐Kar...; Bhavini Surana; Julie Paradis; Alexis Sidiropoulos; Anne Renders; Kathleen M Friel; Marina Brandao; Eugene Rameckers; Andrew M Gordon
• Keywords: Habit

Aim An approach that simultaneously engages both the upper and lower extremities, hand–arm bimanual intensive therapy including extremity ( HABIT ‐ ILE ), has recently demonstrated improvements in extremities children with unilateral cerebral palsy CP ). It is not known whether bilateral would benefit from this approach. The aim of study was to examine efficacy . Method A quasi‐randomized trial design used, whereby 20 participants (age 6–15y, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II – IV , Manual Ability I– III ) were assigned a treatment or comparison group order which they enrolled. Children assessed before after 84 hours intervention over 13 days, as well at 3 months’ follow‐up. same time points. groups using Measure GMFM ‐66) ABILHAND ‐Kids (primary measures), six secondary measures. Results group×test session interaction indicated significant by ‐66, lower‐extremity performance (6‐Minute Walk Test; Pediatric Balance Scale), functional upper‐extremity abilities ‐Kids/Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory), dexterity less affected extremity. Conclusion efficacious for improving upper‐ function