Case report: ICF-level changes in a preschooler after constraint-induced movement therapy.

The authors examined changes associated with constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) provided to a preschool-aged child with right spastic hemiplegia. This case study design used a 2-week pretest measure baseline period, 2 weeks of CIMT, and postmeasures at 1 week and 3 months. Measures were chosen to document changes at the different levels of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) Self-Care Section, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, and grip and pinch strength. Results showed increases on COPM-identified goals of increased independence with bilateral hand play and participation in gross motor play with friends. Changes were also documented in self-care, arm function, and grip strength. Another unexpected association reported by parents and professionals was increased speech intelligibility. Potential implications of implementing CIMT with young children are presented.

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