Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Friel K, Kuo H, Fuller J, Ferre C, Brandão M, Carmel J, Bleyenheuft Y, Gowatsky J, Stanford A, Rowny S, Luber B, Bassi B, Murphy D, Lisanby S, Gordon A
Journal Neurorehabil Neural Repair
Volume 30
Issue 9
Pagination 834-44
Date Published 02/11/2016
ISSN 1552-6844
Keywords Cerebral Palsy, Functional Laterality, Motor Cortex, Motor Skills, Physical Therapy Modalities
Abstract Background Intensive bimanual therapy can improve hand function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). We compared the effects of structured bimanual skill training versus unstructured bimanual practice on motor outcomes and motor map plasticity in children with USCP. Objective We hypothesized that structured skill training would produce greater motor map plasticity than unstructured practice. Methods Twenty children with USCP (average age 9.5; 12 males) received therapy in a day camp setting, 6 h/day, 5 days/week, for 3 weeks. In structured skill training (n = 10), children performed progressively more difficult movements and practiced functional goals. In unstructured practice (n = 10), children engaged in bimanual activities but did not practice skillful movements or functional goals. We used the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to measure hand function. We used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to map the representation of first dorsal interosseous and flexor carpi radialis muscles bilaterally. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in bimanual hand use (AHA; P < .05) and hand dexterity (JTTHF; P < .001). However, only the structured skill group showed increases in the size of the affected hand motor map and amplitudes of motor evoked potentials (P < .01). Most children who showed the most functional improvements (COPM) had the largest changes in map size. Conclusions These findings uncover a dichotomy of plasticity: the unstructured practice group improved hand function but did not show changes in motor maps. Skill training is important for driving motor cortex plasticity in children with USCP.
DOI 10.1177/1545968315625838
PubMed ID 26867559
PubMed Central ID PMC4981562
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