Does CIMT Effect Gait and Balance?

What an interesting question to raise…does constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) effect gait characteristics, balance and functional locomotor ability? The researchers evaluated 16 children, who participated in a 3 week CIMT program, with the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC), the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and the GAITRite Gold system. The children underwent a pretest and post test during the 3 week CIMT program. The results indicated a significant difference in faster cadence and faster velocity. No changes were recorded on the PBS or the SWOC. Reference: Zipp, Genevieve Pinto; Winning, Sue. Effects of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on Gait, Balance, and Functional Locomotor Mobility. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 24(1):64-68, Spring 2012. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0b013e31823e0245