ABSTRACT

Objective : This study aimed to determine the effects of submerged constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on the upper limb function and activities of daily living for subjects with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Methods : This study used a single-subject experimental design, alternating with multiple baselines across individuals. Three children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy volunteered for the study. Participants1, 2, and 3 performed 4, 7, and 10 sessions each during the baseline phase, and 14, 11, and 8 sessions during the intervention phase, respectively. An outcome assessment was made using a Box and Block Test (BBT) and Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL). Results : The BBT scores of participants 1, 2, and 3 improved 27%, 14%, and 7.6% during a submerged CIMT, respectively; however, there was not much improvement, 16%, 6%, and 0%, with conventional CIMT. The PMAL scores improved 8%, 31%, and 17% for submerged CIMT, and 25%, 15%, and 11% with conventional CIMT. In addition, there were significant differences in the BBT and PMAL scores between the two CIMT types (p<.01). Conclusion : The findings suggest that submerged CIMT has a more adaptable effect than conventional CIMT. Future studies are required in this field.