Emotional Problems After Using Constraint Induced Movement Therapy in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

The aim of this study was to investigate the behavior effects specially emotional problems in and after using constraint induced movement (CIMT) in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

A Randomized, controlled clinical trial of CIMT in which 24 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (3-8 years old) were randomly assigned to received conventional treatment (control group) and either conventional treatment with CIMT (using shaping): 6 hours/day for 8 weeks consecutive days with propylene rest splint (case group). Subjects were assessed by Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) assessment weekly and followed for 3 months after intervention. Data were gathered and analyzed by repeated measured and two ways ANOVA methods.

Children receiving CIMT and conventional treatment compared with control group. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in total score and subscales scores of SDQ between two groups (p>0/05).

Our findings suggest that using CIMT in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy could result in more usage of affected limb without any Behavior problems especially emotional problems.