Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is primarily used to improve function in which limb in hemiplegic CP?

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is primarily used to improve function in which limb in hemiplegic CP?

• A. Lower extremity
• B. Trunk
• C. Facial muscles
• D. Upper extremity

Answer: (D)

CIMT is designed to drive use and motor learning in the limb that is most impaired, through restraining the less-affected hand to force active use of the paretic arm and hand. In hemiplegic CP, the impact on daily activities often comes from the impaired upper extremity—grasping, reaching, manipulating objects, and performing self-care tasks. By encouraging repetitive, intensive practice of the affected arm, CIMT promotes neuroplastic changes and improves spontaneous use of that limb, which is why it is used to enhance upper-extremity function. The lower extremity, trunk, and facial muscles are not the primary targets of CIMT, so those areas aren’t the focus of this therapy.

CIMT is designed to drive use and motor learning in the limb that is most impaired, through restraining the less-affected hand to force active use of the paretic arm and hand. In hemiplegic CP, the impact on daily activities often comes from the impaired upper extremity—grasping, reaching, manipulating objects, and performing self-care tasks. By encouraging repetitive, intensive practice of the affected arm, CIMT promotes neuroplastic changes and improves spontaneous use of that limb, which is why it is used to enhance upper-extremity function. The lower extremity, trunk, and facial muscles are not the primary targets of CIMT, so those areas aren’t the focus of this therapy.