Effect of HABIT-ILE on the Body Function and Structures of Children With Cerebral Palsy

Effect of Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities on the Body Function and Structures of Children With Bilateral and Unilateral Cerebral Palsy, Including Selective Voluntary Motor Control and Brain Structure

There is strong evidence that recent intensive interventions based on motor skill learning principles are efficient on functional and neuroplastic changes of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Besides, impaired selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) is one of four interrelated neuromuscular deficits in children with CP and is listed in the ICF-CY (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth) under body functions. Additionally, impaired SVMC has been shown to negatively affect the motor and functional abilities of children with CP. However, there have been little scientific investigations on the trainability of SVMC according to therapeutic interventions.

Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the effect of Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) on the body function and structures of children with bilateral and unilateral cerebral palsy, including SVMC and brain structure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed bilateral and unilateral cerebral palsy,
• MACS levels from I to IV,
• GMFCS levels from I to IV,
• Ability to follow instructions and complete testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Orthopedic surgery, botulinum toxin injections or another unusual intervention less than 6 months before or within the study period.
• Unstable seizure
• Severe visual or cognitive impairments likely to interfere with intervention or testing session completion