The effects of intensive bimanual training with and without tactile training on tactile function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: A pilot study.

Publication Type	Academic Article
Authors	Kuo H, Gordon A, Henrionnet A, Hautfenne S, Friel K, Bleyenheuft Y
Journal	Res Dev Disabil
Volume	49-50
Pagination	129-39
Date Published	12/14/2015
ISSN	1873-3379
Keywords	Cerebral Palsy, Physical Therapy Modalities, Stereognosis, Touch, Touch Perception
Abstract	Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) often have tactile impairments. Intensive bimanual training improves the motor abilities, but the effects on the sensory system have not been studied. Here we compare the effects of bimanual training with and without tactile training on tactile impairments. Twenty children with USCP (6-15.5 years; MACS: I-III) were randomized to receive either bimanual therapy (HABIT) or HABIT+tactile training (HABIT+T). All participants received 82 h of standardized HABIT. In addition 8 sessions of 1h were provided to both groups. The HABIT+T group received tactile training (without vision) using materials of varied shapes and textures. The HABIT group received training with the same materials without tactile directed training (full vision). Primary outcomes included grating orientation task/GOT and stereognosis. Secondary outcomes included two-point discrimination/TPD, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments/SWM. The GOT improved in both groups after training, while stereognosis of the more-affected hand tended to improve (but p=0.063). No changes were found in the TPD and the SWM. There were no group×test interactions for any measure. We conclude tactile spatial resolution can improve after bimanual training. Either intensive bimanual training alone or incorporation of materials with a diversity of shapes/textures may drive these changes.
DOI	10.1016/j.ridd.2015.11.024
PubMed ID	26698408
PubMed Central ID	PMC4871715