Feasibility of High Repetition Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Aims: In pediatric upper extremity rehabilitation, feasible repetition rates are unknown. Our objectives were to examine repetition rates during rehabilitation and their impact on outcomes.

Methods: Children with unilateral cerebral palsy due to perinatal stroke ( = 55, median 10 y 7 mo, 30 males) received Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) followed by Bimanual Therapy, each for 5 days. Repetitions were documented during one-on-one therapy (1.5 h/day). Outcomes included the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Jebsen Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), and Box and Block Test (BBT). Means and standard deviations for motor outcomes and frequencies for repetition rates were calculated. Factors associated with repetition rates and outcome change were explored using standard linear regression.

Results: Repetitions/hour averaged 365 ± 165 during CIMT and 285 ± 103 during Bimanual Therapy. Higher repetition rates were associated with higher baseline function by older age, a main effect of younger age, and improving motor skill ( < .05). Higher repetition rates corresponded with improvement of the AHA and BBT ( < .05, standardized ß = 0.392, 0.358).

Conclusions: Results suggest high repetition therapy is feasible in school-aged children with perinatal stroke, albeit with high individual variability. Multiple associations between repetition rates and baseline function and change point to the clinical importance of this measurable and potentially modifiable factor.