Occupational Therapists' Opinions of Two Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Protocols

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine occupational therapists' opinions of two pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (pCIMT) protocols.

Method: A total of 272 therapists in pediatric rehabilitation clinics completed an electronic survey to determine their opinions of two published pCIMT protocols. In Protocol A, restraint is worn 24 hr/day on the nonparetic upper extremity (UE), and in-clinic, therapist-supervised practice sessions occur 7 days/wk for 6 hr/day over 3 wk. In Protocol B, restraint is worn 2 hr/day on the nonparetic UE, and in-clinic, therapist-supervised practice sessions occur 1 day/wk for 2 hr/day over 8 wk.

Results: The majority of participants reported moderate to high concerns about every facet of Protocol A. Conversely, >50% of participants reported low or no concerns about five of seven facets of Protocol B.

Conclusion: This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that therapists strongly prefer low-duration pCIMT protocols.