A comparative study on conventional therapy and hand arm bimanual intensive therapy on manual ability of upper limb functions among hemiparetic cerebral palsy children

Background: Cerebral palsy is the most common pediatric physical disability, with an incidence of 2.0–2.5 cases per 1000 births. Spastic hemiplegia accounts for more than one third of all new cases and the impairments of upper extremities affect the functional independence and quality of life. Methods: Ten children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy were treated by conventional therapy and Hand arm bimanual intensive therapy (HABIT). Interventions lasted for 12 weeks, 3hrs/day, ABILAND KID Questionnaire was used to assess the children’s manual ability of upper limb functions before and after intervention. Results: Conventional therapy and HABIT showed significant improvement in manual ability of upper limb functions among hemiparetic cerebral palsy children. But there was more significant difference in HABIT group. Conclusion: HABIT was more effective in improving manual ability of upper limb functions among the children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.