The Impact of Dosing Parameters on Motor Skill Acquisition and Retention in Bilateral Cerebral Palsy (BCP)

A recent systematic review found that therapeutic interventions that apply principles of motor learning with intense practice improve functional upper extremity movement in children with unilateral CP. Evidence of efficacy for any treatment approach aimed at improving motor function in bilateral CP (the most prevalent form) is lacking. Preliminary investigation suggests that intensive (90 hours) goal-directed, task-specific training provided in a 3-week day camp format can improve functional movement of both the upper (UE) and lower extremity (LE) and postural control in children with BCP. To date, HABIT-ILE has only been provided in a day camp setting over several weeks. Implementing the dosing schedule of this promising intensive approach in a hospital setting requires innovative resource allocation (space and staff); thus, examining alternative delivery models is imperative. The purpose of this study is to conduct a multi-center randomized control trial (RCT) to determine whether 90 hours of HABIT-ILE improves functional motor skills, activity and motivation in children with BCP when dosed in a camp format at 6-hours/day, 5 days/week for three weeks and 6-hours/day, one day/week for 15 weeks.