Effect of HABIT-ILE on the Body Function and Structures of Children With Cerebral Palsy

There is strong evidence that recent intensive interventions based on motor skill learning principles are efficient on functional and neuroplastic changes of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Besides, impaired selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) is one of four interrelated neuromuscular deficits in children with CP and is listed in the ICF-CY (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth) under body functions. Additionally, impaired SVMC has been shown to negatively affect the motor and functional abilities of children with CP. However, there have been little scientific investigations on the trainability of SVMC according to therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the effect of Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) on the body function and structures of children with bilateral and unilateral cerebral palsy, including SVMC and brain structure.