Use of Vibration During Constraint-induced Movement Therapy

Use of Vibration During Constraint-induced Movement Therapy

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the hand function will improve more by using low-level vibration during constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), compared to CIMT alone without vibration.

The low-level vibration has been shown to increase therapy outcome when used as an adjunct to therapy in adults with hemiparesis. Children who participates in the CIMT camp at MUSC will be recruited to take part in the study. Participating children will wear a watch device on their weaker arm during CIMT. The watch will vibrate only for the children who were assigned to the treatment group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Unilateral upper limb motor weakness
• Can use the affected upper limb as a gross assist during play and self-care activities
• Ambulatory for their age with intact balance and protective reactions in the less involved upper limb.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Developmental delays limiting spontaneous use of the affected upper limb
• Other health impairment