Functional and Neuroplastic Effects of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) in Children With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of neuroplastic and functional changes of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) when presented in two periods (2HG; n=24) versus a single period (1HG; n=24) in people with bilateral CP. The 1HG will receive 65 hours of HABIT-ILE over one intervention period; the 2HG will receive 130 hours over two intervention periods, within 6 months apart. Children will be assessed at 6 time points: baseline, three weeks after the start, at 3, 6, 7 and 9 months after the start of the study.
• Children with medical diagnosis of bilateral cerebral palsy
• Cognitive capacity and language that allows understanding and following the therapist's instructions.
• Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels I to III
• Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF) levels I to III
• Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III