Outcomes of a Clinic-Based PCIMT Program on Upper Extremity Movement Quality

Abstract

Importance:

Pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (PCIMT) is increasing as a treatment method for children with unilateral hemiparesis, but limited evidence has been published on the outcomes of clinic-based PCIMT programs.

Objective:

To evaluate the outcomes of a clinic-based PCIMT program on upper extremity movement quality of children with unilateral hemiparesis.

Design:

Quantitative, retrospective study.

Setting:

A children’s hospital in the southern United States.

Participants:

Twenty-six children ages 2.5 to 8 yr with unilateral hemiparesis who previously completed a 3-wk PCIMT program were enrolled.

Intervention:

A clinic-based PCIMT program from the ACQUIREc therapy protocol was used. Treatment included a 3-wk PCIMT program, consisting of 2 wk of unimanual activities followed by 1 wk of bimanual activities 4 days a week, 4 hr a day.

Outcomes and Measures:

Upper extremity movement quality was assessed with the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function–2 based on pre- and postintervention scores documented in participants’ clinical records. Participants were categorized by their Manual Abilities Classification Scale (MACS) or Mini-MACS level.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed in range of motion, accuracy, dexterity, and fluency of movement postintervention. MACS and Mini-MACS levels were significant predictors of accuracy improvement but not of other movement quality measures.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Findings suggest that clinic-based PCIMT programs can significantly improve upper extremity movement quality for children with unilateral hemiparesis. These findings support the clinical application of PCIMT and highlight the need for further research to optimize treatment protocols and predict outcomes based on classification levels.

Plain-Language Summary

This study evaluated the outcomes of a clinic-based pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (PCIMT) program for children with unilateral hemiparesis. The results showed significant improvements in the children’s upper extremity movement quality, including range of motion, accuracy, dexterity, and fluency. The findings suggest that clinic-based PCIMT can be an effective treatment for improving movement quality of children with unilateral hemiparesis. They findings also suggest the need for further research to evaluate these programs and determine whether predictive outcomes can be based on individual characteristics.

This study evaluated the outcomes of a clinic-based pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (PCIMT) program for children with unilateral hemiparesis.