Rebecca Thompson, OTD, OTR/L; Brandi Marlin, OTS; Natalie Smith, OTS
Children and Youth | Audience Level: Introductory
This presentation explores Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) as an evidence-based intervention within pediatric occupational therapy, emphasizing its application for children with unilateral upper extremity impairments, including hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Core elements of CIMT, such as constraint of the unaffected limb, intensive functional practice, shaping, and goal-directed activities are examined through the lenses of neuroplasticity, developmental disregard, motor learning theory, and the PEOP model. Research supporting CIMT as a best-practice intervention for enhancing upper extremity function, spontaneous limb use, and sustained functional outcomes is reviewed. The session supports professional growth by strengthening clinical reasoning, encouraging ethical and family-centered implementation, and bridging evidence to practice. It also offers practical application for clinicians, educators, and students through a pediatric CIMT summer camp case example integrated with a Level I