Does intensive upper limb treatment modality Hybrid Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (H-CIMT) improve grip and pinch strength or fatigability of the affected hand?

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Hybrid-Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (H-CIMT), defined as CIMT combined with Bimanual Intensive Movement Therapy (BIMT), on grip and pinch strength and fatigability we measured grip and pinch strength and fatigability during clinical H-CIMT.

METHODS: The children participated in a H-CIMT model organized in a therapeutic summer-camp. Children received 90 hours of intensive treatment. Grip and pinch strength and fatigability was measured and fatigue was calculated according to a Static Fatigue Index (SFI).

RESULTS: Pinch strength significantly increased, grip strength did not increase significantly. A non-significant decrease was seen in SFI in pinch and grip.

CONCLUSIONS: H-CIMT showed to be effective in increasing muscle pinch strength in the AH. Effectiveness in decreasing muscle fatigue during grip and pinch tests is not yet shown although there was a tendency towards a decrease in muscle fatigue. However, the long-term effects on these aspects are also important in future research.