https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2670-4981
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Abstract
Aim
To determine the acceptability and effects of a pediatric constraint induced movement therapy (P-CIMT) camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hCP) augmented by use of an exoskeleton to play games in virtual reality (VR).
Method
31 children with hCP attended a P-CIMT camp 6 hours per day for 10 days over 2 successive weeks (60 hours) that included 30 minutes of unilateral training with the Hocoma Armeo®Spring Pediatric that combines the assistance of an exoskeleton and VR games. The primary outcome measure was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA); secondary outcome measures were the Melbourne Assessment of Uni-lateral Hand Function (MUUL), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Assessments were completed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6 months following intervention.
Results
Participants demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement in bimanual performance (AHA) (p < .001) and COPM Performance (p < .001) and Satisfaction with performance (p < .001). Improvement in unilateral performance (MUUL) was statistically (p < .001) but not clinically significant.
Conclusions
A P-CIMT camp augmented by the Hocoma Armeo®Spring Pediatric was feasible and accepted by participants. Bimanual hand function and occupational performance improved immediately following intervention, and the treatment effects persisted 6 months following intervention.
Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank the children and families who participated in this study. We also thank the graduate occupational therapy students at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) who were interventionists for the study, the faculty at TWU and staff at Scottish Rite Hospital that supported the study.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Heather Roberts
Heather Roberts is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman's University, and Research Occupational Therapist at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Her research currently focuses on intensive therapies for children with cerebral palsy, and knowledge translation of evidenced based practices to middle and low income countries.
Angela Shierk
Angela Shierk is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Texas Woman's University, and Research Occupational Therapist at Scottish Rite for Children. Her research currently focuses on pediatrics, neurodevelopmental disabilities, upper limb motor control, home programs and knowledge translation.
Nancy J. Clegg
Nancy J. Clegg is a research coordinator at Scottish Rite for Children. Her research currently focuses on cerebral palsy and holoprosencephaly.
Deborah Baldwin
Deborah Baldwin is a research coordinator at Scottish Rite for Children. Her research currently focuses on cerebral palsy and holoprosencephaly.
Linsley Smith
Linsley Smith is a research coordinator at Scottish Rite for Children. Her research currently focuses, cerebral palsy, hereditary spastic paraparesis and toe walking.
Paul Yeatts
Paul Yeats is a biostatistician at Texas Woman's University. His research currently focuses on exercise psychology and statistical analysis, specifically, the role of physical fitness in relation to depression and psychological well-being among adolescent boys and girls.
Mauricio R. Delgado
Mauricio R. Delgado is Professor of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a Neurology Consultant at Scottish Rite. His research currently focuses on neurorehabilitation of children with motor disorders of central origin and neurogenetic disorders such as holoprosencephaly and tuberous sclerosis complex.