Circus training for children with cerebral palsy

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute recently collaborated with the Brain Research Institute (BRI), Circus Oz and the YMCA to trial an innovative approach to rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy using circus training.

The study led by A/Professor Roslyn Boyd, involved a two week program for 24 children, aged between five and 11 who have hemiplegia, the most common type of cerebral palsy.

Hemiplegia is a life long condition caused by stroke at the time of birth, which impairs one side of the body, leaving the child only able to perform tasks with one hand.

The study used Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), involving intensive arm training to improve manipulation, occupational tasks such as tying shoe laces and two hours of circus training daily.

"Conventional physiotherapy and occupational therapy can improve hand skills while the CIMT approach forces the children to use their hemiplegic hand. The results have been quite profound," said A/Professor Boyd.

The study funded by the National Health & Medical Research Council, was the first to use CIMT in Australian children with cerebral palsy.

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