Which one is the most effective on the hand functions in hemiparetic cerebral palsy: constraint-induced movement therapy or constraint-induced movement therapy with virtual reality? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Motor control of the upper limb is very important for play, personal care, and daily living activities. Losing the motor function of the hand limits the daily life activities, educational, and social participation of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with virtual reality (CIMT+VR) use, only CIMT use, and traditional therapy (TT) on hand functions in children with hemiparetic Cerebral Palsy (h-CP).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Children who were h-CP would be divided into three groups randomly (TT (tradit, CIMT, CIMT+VR groups). Hand function and performance were evaluated with the Jebsen-Taylor and Moberg pick-up tests.

RESULTS

Forty-five children participated in the present study. There were no differences in sex, affected side, age, hand function, or performance between groups. After six weeks of therapy, a difference in hand function was observed between groups. However, there were no differences in the functional performance of the hemiparetic hand after therapy.

CONCLUSION

Using CIMT and VR together improved hand functions, while there was no change in the functional performance of the hand.