Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effects of a modified version of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on upper-extremity function of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Methods22 patients were divided randomly into treatment group (n=10) and control group (n=12). Cases of control group received routine rehabilitation therapy, otherwise, those of treatment group were treated with CIMT. It involved restraining the unimpaired extremity with a restraining-instrument, and having the child engage in activities with the involved extremity 4 hours a day for 2 months repeatedly. Before and after treatment, affected upper-extremity function of all children were assessed with the Fine Motor Function Measure (FMFM) scale.ResultsThe fine motor function of all children in two groups improved significantly(P<0.05), but effect of treatment group was better than that of control group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe treatment of CIMT can improve upper-extremity function of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Key words: constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), cerebral palsy (CP), upper-extremity, function