Abstract
Objective: This case report describes the intervention of constraint induced movement therapy (CI therapy) to improve upper extremity function and hand use in a twenty-five month old child with left hemiplegia. Method: The participant received the recommended CI therapy protocol. Treatment consisted of a uni-valve cast worn on the uninvolved upper extremity for twenty-three hours per day, three hours of intensive therapy in the clinical setting offered five days a week, and a consistent daily home exercise program (HEP) for task practice and carryover at home over a three week period. Assessment measures included the upper extremity Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL) and the Pediatric Arm Function Test (PAFT) as pre and post-test measures and PMAL administration daily during the intervention. Results: The child made significant gains in upper extremity use and hand function. Discussion: The findings from this case report suggest that CI therapy can be effectively utilized in the out-patient clinical setting.