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Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an intervention that has proven to be effective for improving motor skills in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. CIMT consists of three key elements: intensity, restraint and shaping. This intervention is currently being used in many centers as a form of rehabilitation therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

Signature constraint-induced movement therapy

Restraint of the well-functioning upper limb for almost all waking hours for a minimum of 2 weeks, which is accompanied by intensive training of the involved upper limb for at least 3 hours per day.

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT)

Restraint and intensive training are included in this model of delivery however certain features vary, including the type of restraint of the non-affected upper limb, the type of structured training provided, program duration and length and the location, context and provider of training.

Hybrid CIMT

The key components of mCIMT are utilized and are also accompanied by bimanual training.

Forced use

Restraining of the well-functioning hand/arm but not accompanied by a structured training program.

Source: Eliasson, A., Krumlinde-Sundholm, L., Gordon, A., Feys, H., Klingels, K., Aarts, P., et al. Guidelines for future research in constraint-induced movement therapy for children with unilateral cerebral palsy: an expert consensus. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 2014; 56: 125-137.