Effect of an inhibitive weight-bearing mitt on tone reduction and functional performance in a child with cerebral palsy.

A single-subject, ABA design was used to determine the effects of an upper extremity inhibitive weight-bearing cast on tone reduction and functional performance in a child with cerebral palsy. The subject was a 17-month-old boy diagnosed with spastic hemiplegia. Passive range of motion in the hand was measured with a grip circumference measuring cone; tone in the hand was estimated by hand surface area as determined by a tracing of the hand while the child was bearing weight on the affected hand; and functional performance of the affected arm was observed during play with two balls. All measures increased during the intervention phase. Gains in passive range of motion and hand area remained throughout the post-intervention phase. The inhibitive weight-bearing mitt was found to be an effective adjunct to neurodevelopmental treatment for this child.