Value Added Abstracts
Rattana Rattanatharn
Abstract
Objective: To determine the efficacy of short-interval program of constraint-induced movement therapy on hand function training in asymmetric hand impairment cerebral palsy. Study design: Randomized single-blinded controlled trial study. Subjects: Asymmetric hand impairment cerebral palsy in Srisangwal School, Foundation for the Welfare of the Crippled System. Methods: Sixteen cerebral palsy spastic triplegia (8-14 years old) were assigned randomly to either CIMT or control group. Both groups participated in occupational therapy program for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks. CIMT group wore slings on their less impaired arms during therapy session and the slings were removed at the end of each session. To assess the effect of hand function of participants by the Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function, counting the number of the coins that patient was able to put in the box within 3 minutes and stereognosis before training and after training for 8 weeks. Results: Sixteen cerebral palsy spastic triplegia were divided equally into two groups. One participant in the control group was dropped out from the study because he had surgical intervention in his impaired arm. There was statistically significant (P< 0.05) improvement of hand function by Jebsen- Taylor Test of Hand Function and counting the amounts of the coins in the box within 3 minutes after training for 8 weeks in CIMT group but there was no significance in control group. Conclusion: CIMT is efficacious to improve fine motor function in asymmetric hand impairment cerebral palsy.