Clinical changes during an intervention based on constraint-induced movement therapy principles on use of the affected arm of a child with obstetric brachial plexus injury: a case report

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a treatment programme based on the elements of constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) to encourage use of the affected arm of a child with obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBP), as well as to document clinical changes observed with this intervention. A 2‐year‐old female child with Erb's palsy had 14 weeks of daily home‐based treatment with 30‐minute sessions planned according to the principles of CIMT. The child was assessed every 2 weeks with the Toddler Arm Use Test. Test scores throughout the intervention period demonstrated improvements in quality of movement, amount of use and willingness to use the affected extremity. The child's mother reported improved ability to perform bimanual activities at home. The results suggest that treatment based on CIMT principles has potential to promote functional gains for children with OBP. Experimental studies should test the effects of this kind of intervention for children with OBP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.