M Street Pediatrics

What is CIMT?

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a scientifically proven intensive approach for children diagnosed with hemiplegia that involves placing a constraint on the less affected upper extremity to improve use of the affected upper extremity in play and functional daily routines. With a constraint on the less affected side, the therapist works to shape and refine skills with the affected hand/ arm with repeated practice within the child’s natural setting.

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What is Bimanual Therapy?

Bimanual Therapy is also a scientifically proven approach, utilizing motor learning principles, to focus on the simultaneous use of both hands to encourage increased natural participation of the affected side into daily routines. This approach includes carefully planned two-handed activities involving functional play and daily routines, encouraging repeated practice to increase the use of two hands together.

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CIMT vs. Bimanual: How to decide What is best for my child?

According to the research, when study groups have the same amount of treatment hours, the improvement shown for either CIMT and Bimanual therapy protocols are comparable- most of this research has been conducted with individuals with hemiplegic CP. (Zafer et. al., 2016; Gordon et. al., 2011; Deppe et., al., 2011)
Evidence shows that CIMT is more effective strategy to begin with for children who have significantly decreased use of one arm (Palomo-Carrion, et., al 2023).
No need to really “pick” between either! “CIMT and bimanual should be viewed as complementary. CIMT could be used to target unimanual actions. Once these actions are established, Bimanual Therapy could be used for children to learn how to use these actions for bimanual skill development” (Hoare & Greaves, 2016). CIMT can be thought of as the “kickstarter” for encouraging increased use of the affected side, followed by Bimanual Therapy to establish their skills into their daily routines and play!
Reach out to M Street to connect with one of our highly skilled Occupational Therapists and determine the right treatment approach for your family, to meet your child’s needs

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Mighty Hands: A CIMT and Bimanual Camp

This program is an opportunity for children aged 0-4 and their parents to come together in a fun, summer camp atmosphere to engage in activities to promote their use of two hands together and strategies to target their less preferred side. Both CIMT with constraint and bimanual strategies are utilized, in fun and interactive ways!

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Our overall goal for the program is to encourage increased use of both hands both within play and daily routines, in an interactive environment alongside peers.

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