Studies comparing the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual training in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: A systematic review

• Published in: Developmental neurorehabilitation 2013-04, Vol.16 (2), p.133-143
• Main Authors: Dong, Vicky An-Qin, Tung, Ivy Hsi-Hsuan, Siu, Hester Wai-Yi, Fong, Kenneth Nai-Kuen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: arm function; bimanual training; Cerebral Palsy - physiopathology; Cerebral Palsy - rehabilitation; Child; constraint-induced movement therapy; Exercise Therapy - methods; Humans; Restraint, Physical; Treatment Outcome; Unilateral cerebral palsy; Upper Extremity - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1751-8423; 1751-8431
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2012.702136

Objective: To review studies comparing the efficacy of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and bimanual training (BIT) in improving the hemiplegic arm functioning and overall functional performance for children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases, reference lists and journals identified seven studies that met pre-determined inclusion criteria. These studies were analysed in terms of participants, treatment activities and regime, outcome measures and results of intervention. Results: Both CIMT and BIT produced similar improvements in the bimanual and unimanual capacities of the affected arm and overall functional performance. Conclusions: CIMT yields more improvements in the unimanual capacity of the impaired arm compared with BIT. A potential benefit of BIT is that participants may see more improvement in both bimanual performance and self-determined overall life goals. A combination of CIMT and BIT could be an option on improving arm function for children with unilateral CP in future.