Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
2024
Faculty Mentor
Patty Coker-Bolt
Abstract
Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an effective, evidence-based treatment for adults and children with hemiparesis. CIMT is widely used in high resource countries, however, in countries like Madagascar, the 5th poorest in the world there are no intensive therapy programs for clients with neurologic conditions. Aims: The aims were to 1) train Malagasy therapists in current models of pediatric CIMT, 2) develop a contextually relevant model of pediatric CIMT for Madagascar in collaboration with Malagasy therapists, 3) pilot the new Madagascar CIMT model with children with unilateral motor weakness. Methods: Four-weeks of synchronous and asynchronous education sessions were provided to 8 Malagasy therapists and culminated in the development of a pediatric Madagascar CIMT model (3 weeks, 5 days/week, 3 hours/day, 45 hours total). This model was trialed with 5 children (mean age = 4.6 years) during a three-week period at the Growing the Nations Therapy Programmes outpatient clinic in the capital city of Madagascar. Surveys and in-person interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data on therapists’ perception of the intervention. Children were assessed pre-and post-intervention using the Box and Blocks, the ABILHAND Kids, and the Pediatric Motor Activity Log. Results: Children showed improvement in all measures with all long-term goals achieved. The therapists recorded positive reviews of the trainings and pilot program, restating the need for CIMT to be readily implemented in Madagascar. However, they noted a need for modifications to the model, to allow for implementation of CIMT in rural parts of the country. Similarly, the caregiver reported positive reviews of the pilot program. Many noted changes in the children’s habits and behaviors at home. Discussion: This project is the first-of-its-kind pediatric CIMT therapy model designed to meet the needs of children with unilateral motor weakness in Madagascar. Future collaborations may include additional training, CIMT program alterations, classes, or implementation of a reformed model.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Joshua, "Supporting Rehabilitation in Madagascar: Training Current and Future Occupational Therapists on Constraint Induced Movement Therapy" (2024). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 39.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/39