Implementation of constraint-induced movement therapy for young children with unilateral cerebral palsy in Jordan: a home-based model

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of implementing constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in Jordan, a country with a different culture to that of the western world where CIMT has previously been investigated.

Method. Twenty children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) were randomised to either CIMT or neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). NDT is the usual treatment method in Jordan for children with CP and was used in the control group. Fourteen children fulfilled the treatment; mean age was 47 months (SD 19 months) in the CIMT group and 65 months (SD26 months) in the NDT group. Jordanian therapists learned the CIMT method in a 2-day workshop. CIMT was based on 2-h per day for eight weeks, with the families being responsible for the training aside from a weekly session with the therapist, i.e. a home-based model. Children in the NDT group had 2 h of training per week by therapists.

Results. Hand function, measured with Assisting Hand Assessment on a scale of 0–100 AHA-units, improved from 41.6 (12.6) to 48 (11.6) in the CIMT group and from 56 (18.7) to 56.6 (18.8) among controls. ANOVA show a group effect of treatment (F(1,12)  ==  7.77; p  ==  0.016).

Conclusions. A treatment effect of CIMT can be seen after a 2-day workshop in a novel environment.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• children
• constraint induced movement therapy and Jordan

Acknowledgements

Authors wish to acknowledge their gratitude to the children and parents, without their contribution this study would not have been possible. The authors report no declaration of interest. Financial support was supplied by the Department of Habilitation Services for Children and Youth, Research Unit, Stockholm and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm as well as Swedish International Development Cooperation, Swedish Research Links Programme.