Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sensory cueing with repetitive practice
on hemiplegic arm functions in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. DESIGN: A single-group pre/post comparison. SETTING:
A special school for children with
physical disabilities. SUBJECTS: Eight children with unilateral cerebral palsy
aged 6-18 years. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were required to wear for three
weeks a sensory cueing, non-activated wristwatch device and complete 5 hours of
conventional therapy per week (treatment A). This was followed by three weeks of
continuing conventional therapy and wearing the now activated wristwatch, which
prompted the children to do predetermined exercises on the hemiplegic arm for 6
hours daily, 5 days per week, for three weeks (treatment B), and three weeks
follow-up. MAIN MEASURES: Assessments of arm efficiency, functional hand use and
arm impairments were carried out at baseline (day before treatment A), posttest 1
(day after treatment A), posttest 2 (day after treatment B) and follow-up (three
weeks after treatment B). RESULTS: Arm efficiency as revealed by the
Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor
Proficiency - but not actual arm use and grip strength - showed significant
improvement after treatment B to follow-up (from 286.0 +/- 73.9 to 191.9 +/-
73.5, P = 0.002, and from 15.5 +/- 5.0 to 18.1 +/- 7.7, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION:
This pilot study provides proof-of-concept data showing that a wearable device
might be used to remind children with cerebral palsy to perform a set of
predetermined arm exercises in order to promote hemiplegic arm function.

Langue : ANGLAIS