Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Summer Camp

Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an intervention for unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). It is currently part of standard of care for children with unilateral CP, but is typically done one-on-one and with the child wearing a cast 24 hours a day during the duration of treatment. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of an intensive group-based CIMT summer camp in which participants wear a removable cast on upper extremity function, occupational performance, and patient-specific goals. The investigators hypothesize that upper extremity skills and occupational performance will increase, and that patients will reach their individualized goals.

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure asks parents to rate their child's level of occupational performance as well as how satisfied they are with it both before and after treatment.

Parents and therapists identify appropriate goals for the child to achieve at the end of therapy. The therapist then identifies "levels of attainment" for each individual goal.

The Manual Ability Classification System is an observation-based measure of upper extremity function in individuals with cerebral palsy.

This caregiver questionnaire addresses how often and how well a child uses his or her affected extremity outside of the therapy setting.

This is an observation-based measure during which the therapist evaluates the quality of an individual's upper extremity movement with regard to dissociated movement, grasp, protective extension, and weight bearing.

Inclusion Criteria: Scores of level I, II or III on the Manual Ability Classification System Independent grasp Ability to ambulate independently or with an assistive device Sufficient cooperation and cognitive understanding to participate in a group. Exclusion Criteria: Lack of hand function Fixed contractures Active seizures High tone Medical instability Non-English speaking parents.