Impact of constraint therapy versus hand–arm bimanual intensive training on postural control during reaching and reaching quality: Randomized trial

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) versus Hand–arm bimanual intensive training (HABIT) on postural control during reaching with the affected arm and reaching quality in sitting children with hemiplegia. Methods: Forty-Two children; twenty normal children and twenty –two with spastic hemiplegia were recruited for participation in the study, hemiplegic children were randomized to the CIMT or HABIT group. Two hemiplegic children were excluded. Their age ranged from four to eight years old. The primary outcome: postural control that was evaluated using Qualysis motion AB system. Secondary outcome: reaching quality that was assessed using Peabody developmental motor scales (version-2) before and after four weeks of interventions that were provided 6days/week for 3 hours/day. Results: The results of this study revealed that there was significant improvement (p < .05) in all measured dependent variables in the post-treatment condition compared with the pre-treatment in both study groups with preference for group (B). Conclusions: Both techniques have a positive influence on postural control and quality of reaching and it would be better to combine both of them in treatment programs.