Constraint-induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Bimanual Training (HABIT) in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Bimanual Training (HABIT) in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

A randomized control trial of bimanual training. The protocols have been developed at Columbia University to be child friendly and draws upon our experience since 1997 with constraint-induced movement therapy in children with cerebral palsy.

A new treatment involving bimanual (Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT). The protocols have been developed at Columbia University to be child friendly and draws upon our experience since 1998 with constraint-induced movement therapy in children with cerebral palsy. The interventions are performed in a 15 day day-camp setting with several children and at least one therapist per child. We have conducted 24 day camps to date since 2002, and are now collaborating with clinicians worldwide to expand our treatment availability. The aim is to promote the use of and improve the coordination of movement of both hands together. PARTICIPATION IS FREE. Please check out our website for more information: http://www.tc.edu/centers/cit/.

Inclusion Criteria:

willingness to agree to intervention and testing procedures and travel to the University for participation and testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• health problems not associated with CP
• uncontrollable seizures
• visual problems that would interfere with carrying out the intervention or testing
• botulinum toxin therapy in the upper extremity musculature during the last six months or who wish to receive it within the period of study