Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of hand-arm bimanual intensive training (HABIT) in group on functional independence and quality of life of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Methods From November, 2015 to September, 2016, 20 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into control group (n=10) and experimental group (n=10). Both groups received routine occupational therapy, and the experimental group received HABIT in group one hour per day additionally, for eight weeks. They were assessed with the Carroll Upper Extremities Functional Test (UEFT), Functional Independence Measure Children's Edition (WeeFIM) and Chinese Version Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL^TM) 3.0 Cerebral Palsy Module respectively before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the scores of UEFT, WeeFIM and the PedsQL^TM3.0 improved in both groups (t>3.970, P<0.05), and were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t>2.306, P<0.05). Conclusion HABIT in group could improve the fine function of upper extremity and hands coordination of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and enhance the functional independence and quality of life.

Key words: cerebral palsy, hand-arm bimanual intensive training in group, functional independence, quality of life