Abstract
Aim: To determine the acceptability and effects of a pediatric constraint induced movement therapy (P-CIMT) camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hCP) augmented by use of an exoskeleton to play games in virtual reality (VR). Method: 31 children with hCP attended a P-CIMT camp 6 hours per day for 10 days over 2 successive weeks (60 hours) that included 30 minutes of unilateral training with the Hocoma Armeo®Spring Pediatric that combines the assistance of an exoskeleton and VR games. The primary outcome measure was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA); secondary outcome measures were the Melbourne Assessment of Uni-lateral Hand Function (MUUL), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Assessments were completed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6 months following intervention. Results: Participants demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement in bimanual performance (AHA) (p <.001) and COPM Performance (p <.001) and Satisfaction with performance (p <.001). Improvement in unilateral performance (MUUL) was statistically (p <.001) but not clinically significant. Conclusions: A P-CIMT camp augmented by the Hocoma Armeo®Spring Pediatric was feasible and accepted by participants. Bimanual hand function and occupational performance improved immediately following intervention, and the treatment effects persisted 6 months following intervention.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 150-165 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2020 |
Keywords
- Cerebral palsy
- children
- constraint induced movement therapy
- exoskeleton
- hemiplegia
- virtual reality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy