C.I.M.T. Supported by the Tutors

In the January/February 2012 edition of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy Jane Case-Smith, Director, Occupational Therapy Division, Ohio State University; Stephanie C. DeLuca, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham;Richard Stevenson, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville andSharon Landesman Ramey, Professor, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Va. discuss a study of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT)
The objective of the study was whether pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a promising intervention for children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). This trial tested whether 6 hours versus 3 hours per day for 21 days would produce a larger maintenance of gains after 6 months of treatment.
The conclusion reached was that the hypothesis that maintenance of effects would differ for children who received 6 versus 3 hours per day of CIMT (126 versus 63 total hours) was not supported.
The HANDTUTOR has been an effective device to be used in CIMT. It, together with its sister devices (ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR, 3DTUTOR, aims to increase the amount of use and quality of movement of the weaker arm or limb by following a structured treatment program.
The treatment program works by producing ‘rewiring’ of the brain; this means that a larger part of the brain becomes active when producing movement of the weaker arm. This program is underpinned by several research studies which have proven benefits, particularly for stroke patients.
The program involves a number of components in particular the use of repetitive task-oriented training. This involves the person practicing a series of short tasks with the weaker arm for several hours a day over a two to three week period under supervision by a trained therapist. Whilst using the weaker arm the unaffected side is restrained, for example by wearing a cast,mitt or glove to continually remind the person to use the weaker arm.
The person is encouraged to use the weaker arm outside of the treatment program for functional tasks at home whilst wearing the cast, glove or mitt and is provided with a series of home assignments to complete. Research has proven that such intensive and repetitive use of the weaker arm over this short period leads to increased use of the weaker arm as well as improved quality of movement. The TUTORS have been used effectively in CIMT training and therapy. The TUTORS are designed to be used by children as well as adults..
The TUTORS are currently being used in leading hospitals and clinics in the U.S. and Europe and are fuly certified by the FDA and CE. See WWW.HANDTUTOR.COM for more information.