Therapy approaches for improving arm function after childhood stroke

This trial is testing whether combining two physical therapy approaches—constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques—works better than CIMT alone for helping children recover arm and hand function after a stroke. Children in the study will receive 6 weeks of therapy, and researchers will measure how much movement and strength improves in the affected arm.

Strokes in children often leave them with weakness or stiffness in one arm, making everyday activities like eating, writing, and playing difficult. While constraint-induced movement therapy has shown promise, doctors want to know if adding PNF techniques—which focus on improving sensation and coordination—might help children recover even better.