Gait characteristics of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy before and after modified constraint-induced movement therapy

Abstract

This investigation assessed selected gait parameters of children with hemiparesis before and after participation in a modified constraint-induced movement therapy program (mCIMT). Recent advances in the understanding of the relationship between mCIMT and cortical reorganization supports the use of upper-extremity mCIMT to treat lower extremity deficits. However, the effects of mCIMT on the gait patterns of children with hemiparesis remain unclear. Twelve preschool children participated in a mCIMT program for 5 consecutive days, 6 h each day. Pre- and post-intervention data, on the temporal-spatial aspects of gait, were collected with the GAITRite walkway. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures generalized linear model. Base of support decreased significantly (p < 0.001) following treatment and improvements were noted in most other gait descriptors. The results of this study suggest that mCIMT can increase stability and improve the overall gait pattern. This study provides a new dimension in the effects of pediatric mCIMT programs and could begin to shift the focus of this intervention to remediation of lower extremity deficits. Additional studies with a longitudinal follow-up focus to determine the long-term effects of mCIMT on walking balance and stability would be beneficial.

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Children With Hemiplegia After Traumatic Brain Injury

“…11,15,40 With regard to the evaluation of upper limb kinematics, we evaluated reaching and hand-to-mouth movements. Overall, our results are in line with the literature, which reported a positive trend for the CIMT program on the QUEST scale 3 weeks after the treatment 14 in children after TBI; positive changes were also found in the CP children after CIMT, in terms of the QUEST, GMFM, and other clinical scales.…”

Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Infants and Toddlers with Cerebral Palsy

“…Gross motor performance appears to be a relevant outcome measure for CIMT with infants. Other studies have demonstrated the effect of CIMT on gross motor performance in infants (Coker et al, 2009) and on gait patterns in preschool children (Coker, Karakostas, Dodds, & Hsiang, 2010). …”

Analysis of Postural Stability in Children With Cerebral Palsy and Children With Typical Development

“…A number of researchers have evaluated the effectiveness of balance training on stance and gait in children with hemiplegic CP, [19][20][21][22][23] but none has evaluated static balance in children with hemiplegic CP. Evaluation of standing balance under conditions with sensory conflicts would help estimate the ability in children with hemiplegic CP to resolve intersensory conflicts, thereby facilitating better interventions for improving balance and gross motor abilities.…”