Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Camp for Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Augmented by Use of an Exoskeleton to Play Games in Virtual Reality

Aim: To determine the acceptability and effects of a pediatric constraint induced movement therapy (P-CIMT) camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hCP) augmented by use of an exoskeleton to play games in virtual reality (VR).

Method: 31 children with hCP attended a P-CIMT camp 6 hours per day for 10 days over 2 successive weeks (60 hours) that included 30 minutes of unilateral training with the Hocoma Armeo^®Spring Pediatric that combines the assistance of an exoskeleton and VR games. The primary outcome measure was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA); secondary outcome measures were the Melbourne Assessment of Uni-lateral Hand Function (MUUL), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Assessments were completed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6 months following intervention.

Results: Participants demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement in bimanual performance (AHA) (p < .001) and COPM Performance (p < .001) and Satisfaction with performance (p < .001). Improvement in unilateral performance (MUUL) was statistically (p < .001) but not clinically significant.

Conclusions: A P-CIMT camp augmented by the Hocoma Armeo^®Spring Pediatric was feasible and accepted by participants. Bimanual hand function and occupational performance improved immediately following intervention, and the treatment effects persisted 6 months following intervention.