Intensive Bimanual Intervention for Children Who Have Undergone Hemispherectomy: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an intensive bimanual intervention on upper limb function in children who have undergone hemispherectomy.

Methods: Thirteen children received 90 hours of intensive bimanual training (Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy, HABIT). The Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF), Box and Block Test (BBT), Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), ABILHAND-Kids, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were assessed by a masked clinician twice before, immediately, and 6 months after treatment.

Results: Significant improvements over time were found in the JTTHF, AHA, ABILHAND-Kids, and COPM.

Conclusion: Completion of HABIT was feasible for children with hemispherectomy. Improvement of bimanual function and functional goals can be related to the nature of the activities prioritized in HABIT training.