A Single Session of Mirror-based Tactile and Motor Training Improves Tactile Dysfunction in Children with Unilateral
Megan L Auld1,2, Leanne M Johnston1,2, Remo N Russo3,4
1Cerebral Palsy League, Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
Mirror-based training improved tactile perception in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Standard bimanual therapy did not show significant changes in tactile perception.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) often affects tactile sensory function.
- Assessing and improving tactile registration and perception is crucial for functional outcomes in children with UCP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of mirror-based tactile and motor training compared to standard bimanual therapy for enhancing tactile perception and registration in children with UCP.
Main Methods:
- A replicated randomized controlled crossover design was employed.
- Six children (6-18 years) with UCP underwent two 90-minute sessions: mirror-based training and standard bimanual therapy, in alternating order.
- Tactile registration and perception were assessed pre- and post-intervention using Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments and single-point localization tests.
Main Results:
- Mirror-based training led to improved tactile perception in four participants (Reliable Change Index > 1.75).
- Standard bimanual therapy did not result in significant changes in tactile perception for any participant (Reliable Change Index < 1.0).
- Neither intervention demonstrated an effect on tactile registration.
Conclusions:
- Mirror-based training shows promise as an intervention to enhance tactile perception in children diagnosed with unilateral cerebral palsy.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and long-term effects of mirror therapy for sensory deficits in UCP.
Introduction:
This replicated randomized controlled crossover case series investigated the effect of mirror-based tactile and motor training on tactile registration and perception in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP).
Methods:
Six children with UCP (6-18 years; median 10 years, five male, three-left hemiplegia, four-manual ability classification system (MACS) I, one MACS II and one MACS III) participated. They attended two 90-minute sessions - one of mirror-based training and one of standard practice, bimanual therapy - in alternated order. Tactile registration (Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments) and perception (double simultaneous or single-point localization) were assessed before and after each session. Change was estimated using reliable change index (RCI).
Results:
Tactile perception improved in four participants (RCI > 1.75), with mirror-based training, but was unchanged with bimanual therapy (RCI < 1.0 for all participants). Neither intervention affected tactile registration.
Discussion:
Mirror-based training demonstrates potential to improve tactile perception in children with UCP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
