Exploring the feasibility and use of accelerometers before, during, and after a camp-based CIMT program for children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and use accelerometers before, during, and after a camp-based constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) program for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS: A pre-test post-test design was used for 12 children with CP (mean = 4.9 yrs) who completed a 30-hour camp-based CIMT program. The accelerometer data were collected using ActiGraph GT9X Link. Children wore accelerometers on both wrists one day before and after the camp and on the affected limb during each camp day. Three developmental assessments were administered pre-post CIMT program. RESULTS: Accelerometers were successfully worn before, during. and directly after the CIMT program to collect upper limb data. Affected upper limb accelerometer activity significantly increased during the CIMT camp compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were seen in all twelve children on all assessments of affected upper limb function (p < 0.05) measuring capacity and quality of affected upper limb functioning. CONCLUSION: Accelerometers can be worn during high intensity pediatric CIMT programs to collect data about affected upper limb function. Further study is required to determine the relationship between accelerometer data, measure of motor capacity, and real-world performance post-CIMT.