Comparative Effect of CIMT and PNFTechnique on Hands Dexterity in Cerebral Palsy

Summary

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitations that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain. The primary motor impairments in CP often include issues with muscle tone, reflexes, and coordination. Among the various motor disorders associated with CP, impairment of the upper extremities is particularly common and functionally debilitating. Specifically, reduced hand dexterity the ability to perform coordinated, fine motor tasks significantly impacts a child's independence in daily activities such as feeding, dressing, and school-related tasks like writing. Therefore, improving hand function is a critical goal in physiotherapy for this population The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a constraint induced movement therapy ( CIMT ) and Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on dexterous movement of hands in cerebral palsy .The study design will be Randomized Controlled Trail. The study setting will be Pediatric Rehabilitation Center or Physiotherapy Department. The duration of study will be 10 months after approval of synopsis. The sample size will be 20 which is calculated by epitools. The sampling technique will be Non-probability convenient sampling . Children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy will be included. Children with other musculoskeletal and neurological issues will be excluded. Data Collection Tools will be Box and Block test and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory.. The data will be analyzed using SPSS 23.

Keyword Cerebral Palsy, Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT), dexterous movement, Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

In Group A, participants underwent Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) alongside conventional physical therapy, conducted five days a week for two hours daily (excluding weekends). This therapy encouraged the active use of the affected upper limb while immobilizing the unaffected limb with a mitt or sling. The aim was to improve motor recovery by combating "learned non-use." Participants engaged in repetitive, task-oriented activities tailored to their skills, such as reaching, grabbing, lifting, and handling objects of various weights and sizes. Fine motor skills exercises, like buttoning, writing, and stacking blocks, were included, progressively increasing in difficulty to enhance the application of these skills in daily activities.Therapists observed participants, provided feedback, and ensured the correct execution of movements, utilizing intense practice and molding techniques.

BEHAVIORAL

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Therapy

Group B received Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) therapy, each session lasting 1.5 hours per day. The PNF approach aimed to enhance functional motor abilities,reduce stiffness, and activate neuromuscular responses. Treatment included diagonal and spiral movement patterns involving the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints, adhering to a "stretch, contract, and relax" protocol. This protocol involved passively stretching the limb, followed by isometric contractions lasting 10 seconds. Repeated stretching of hypertonic muscles and isotonic or eccentric movements helped alleviate spasticity and improve flexibility. Therapists provided verbal and tactile cues to guide correct movements and enhance muscular coordination. Assessments of spasticity and functional motor abilities were conducted after given time of intervention

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Riaz Baloch, MBBS · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

8 Years

Max Age

13 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-11

Primary Completion

2026-06-25

Completion

2026-07-01

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations