Infant Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Paired With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) paired with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for infants with asymmetrical hand function (AHF). Methods: Five infants received an experimental ABA design: (A1) 3 weeks of our Standard AHF Care, (B) 3 weeks mCIMT-NMES, and (A2) 3 weeks of our Standard AHF Care. Parents tracked key data in a daily log, and infants were assessed 4 times using the Hand Assessment for Infants and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2. Results: There was a high level of participant enrollment, visit frequency adherence, and compliance with the treatment protocol. No adverse events were reported. Mean Hand Assessment for Infants Both Hands measure scores changed more after mCIMT-NMES than after our Standard AHF Care. Conclusions: mCIMT-NMES is a feasible early intervention for infants with AHF at risk for unilateral cerebral palsy. A future study in a larger sample should examine the efficacy of mCIMT-NMES in this population.