Tehran University of Medical Sciences

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Impact of Somatosensory Interventions on Upper Limb Function in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Single-Subject Design Study Publisher



Khoshbakht M1 ; Raji P1 ; Ansari NN2, 3, 4 ; Mahmodian M1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
  3. 3. Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
  4. 4. Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Source: International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation Published:2021


Abstract

Background/aims Hemiplegia is one of the most common types of cerebral palsy. Upper limb dysfunction in these children can affect their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of somatosensory interventions on upper extremity sensory and motor functions in spastic hemiplegic children. Methods This single-subject study was performed in the occupational therapy clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Three participants (two boys and one girl) aged 8-12 years with spastic hemiplegia were assessed during baseline, treatment and follow-up phases. During the treatment phase, the children received 12 tactile and proprioceptive stimulation (active, passive and playful) sessions over 4 weeks. Four sensory measures (tactile localisation, stereognosis, two-point discrimination, proprioception) and one motor measure (Box and Block Test) were assessed during each phase. Results Improvement in function was seen in all three children based on visual analysis, with significant differences between the baseline and treatment scores in the majority of measures for all participants. Changes were sustained at follow up for most tests. The effect size was large for all three children. conclusions Despite the small number of participants, sensory intervention with a focus on sensory deficits could help to improve upper extremity sensory and motor function in children with spastic hemiplegia. © 2021 MA Healthcare Ltd
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