Pediatric CI Therapy - An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca

As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find alternative means of evaluating and treating specific conditions. One of those communities is comprised of a professional and highly educated team of PhDs at Alabama University at Birmingham, located in Birmingham, AL. Sharon Ramey, PhD developer and head of research efforts (of Pediatric CI Therapy) with co-researchers, Stephanie C. Deluca, PhD, K. Echols, PhD., Pt. PCS, and E. Taub, PhD. broadened Pediatric CI investigations. Pediatric Constraint-Induced Therapy, (also called Pediatric CI Therapy) was initiated to further advance treatment in children suffering from neuromotor disabilities. Funded by a grant from the Alabama Health Service Foundation, the Pediatric Neuromotor Research Clinic was established and is now being co-directed by Drs. Echols and DeLuca.

CI Therapy, also known as "Taub Therapy," was initially developed by Dr. Edward Taub, Director of Taub Therapy Clinic in Birmingham, AL. A medical innovation that is successful in over 95% of stroke patients in helping regain significant movement, Taub therapy is an effective stroke rehabilitation therapy that consists of restricting the use of unaffected limbs to "rewire" neurons in the brain.

To explore Pediatric CI Therapy, I asked Dr. Deluca a few questions about this particular therapy in an informal interview:

Q [C.Bailey-Lloyd] Could you explain exactly how the therapy works?

A [Stephanie C. DeLuca] The therapy is aimed at children who have asymmetric abilities with their upper extremities because of a lesion within the central nervous system. It involves casting the child's stronger arm and hand with a lightweight splint which the children wear 24 hours a day for 3 weeks. Children are then treated for 6 hours each day for 21 consecutive days.

Q [C. Bailey-Lloyd] What can one expect from this therapy, and on average, how long is treatment necessary?

A [Stephanie C. DeLuca] This varies from child to child and is dependent on the child's incoming abilities. But children routinely develop numerous new motor abilities with the weaker arm and hand.

Q [C.Bailey-Lloyd] How long has this treatment been in use and how successful is it?

A [Stephanie C. DeLuca] We have been implementing this approach for almost 5 years with approximately 65 children and have seen very dramatic results. But again where children end up is dependent on where they start.

Q [C.Bailey-Lloyd] Are there any side effects to this treatment? Please explain

A [Stephanie C. DeLuca] In general there have been very few negative side effects. Minor discomfort with relation to the cast but that is usually very transient.

Q [C.Bailey-Lloyd] Who utilizes this therapy (in practice) and how widely is it used across the nation?

A [Stephanie C. DeLuca] We are the only clinic using the entire protocol that we are aware of.

Q [C Bailey-Lloyd] Is this therapy effective on neurological disorders/ diseases other than Cerebral Palsy and Stroke patients?

A [Stephanie C. DeLuca] That still needs to be addressed with research.

On the question of Pediatric CI Therapy effectiveness opposed to other conventional medical treatments, Dr. DeLuca referred me to recently published research efforts in a Pediatric paper. According to the research team, the stated results were"... Children receiving pediatric CI therapy compared with controls acquired significantly more new classes of motoric skills (9.3 vs 2.2); demonstrated significant gains in the mean amount (2.1 vs 0.1) and quality (1.7 vs 0.3) of more-affected arm use at home; and in a laboratory motor function test displayed substantial improvement including increases in unprompted use of the more-affected upper extremity (52.1% vs 2.1% of items). Benefits were maintained over 6 months, with supplemental evidence of quality-of-life changes for many children."

In the Pediatric Paper Conclusion, "...Pediatric CI therapy produced major and sustained improvement in motoric function in the young children with hemiparesis in the study."

In closing, Pediatric CI Therapy offers a promising alternative treatment to children with neuromotor disabilities. To learn more about Pediatric CI Therapy or if you are a Pediatric Practitioner wanting to learn how to properly administer Pediatric CI Therapy, please contact Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca at sdeluca@uab.edu or through her Website at www.circ.uab.edu/cit.htm

Key References:

1. Taub, E., Ramey, S., DeLuca, S., Echols, K., Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Therapy (CI) Movement Therapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Pediatrics.

2. Pediatric Neuromotor Research Clinic www.circ.uab.edu/

3. UAB Health Systems www.taubtherapy.com/

4. New Strategies after Stroke: Restraining, Rewiring, Relearning http://main.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=28002

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Echols, K, DeLuca, SC. (submitted). Dosage in the treatment of children: Making therapy count. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association.

DeLuca, S.C., Echols, K., Ramey, S.L. & Taub, E. (2003). Pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy for a young child: two episodes of care. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association: 83, 11, 1003-13.

Taub, E., Ramey, S.L., DeLuca, S.C., Echols, K. (2004). Efficacy of constraint-induced (CI) movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Pediatrics: 113, 2, 305-12

Ramey, SL, DeLuca, SC, Echols, K. (2003) Resilience for Today, in E. Grotberg, (Ed). Resilience In Families With Children Who Are Exceptional. Greenwood Publishing Group.

DeLuca, S.C. (2002) Intensive movement therapy with casting for children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled crossover trial. Dissertation, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Echols, K., DeLuca, S.C., Ramey, S., & Taub, E. (2002). Constraint-induced movement therapy versus traditional therapeutic services for young children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 44, S 91, 29

DeLuca, S.C. (2001) Constraint-induced movement therapy in pediatrics: a review and case study. Thesis, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Echols, K., DeLuca, S.C., Ramey, S., & Taub, E. (2001). Constraint-induced Movement therapy in the child with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 43, S 88, 37

Echols, K., DeLuca, S.C., Taub, E., Ramey, S. (2001). Constraint-induced movement therapy in young children: a protocol and outcomes compared to traditional measures. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 12, 2, 210 Morris, D., Crago, J.E., DeLuca, S.C., Pidikiti, R.D., & Taub, E. (1997). Constraint-Induced movement therapy for motor recovery after stroke. NeuroRehabilitation. 9, 29- 43.

Taub, E., Pidikiti, R.D., DeLuca, S.C., Crago, J.E. (1996). Effects of motor restriction of an unimpaired upper extremity and training on improving functional tasks and altering brain/behaviors. Imaging and Neurologic Rehabilitation. 133-154.

Taub, E., Crago, J. E., Burgio, L.D., Groomes, T.E., Cook, E.W., DeLuca, S.C., & Miller, N.E. (1994). An operant approach to rehabilitation medicine: Overcoming learned nonuse by shaping. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 61, 281-293.

? 2004 Pediatric CI Therapy - An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot
Public Relations' Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for

---

Magnets: How Do They Really Work?

Can magnets actually help us feel better? When I first read about this theory I was somewhat skeptical but curious. After looking into it further and trying out a few magnetic products, I... Read More

Empowering Ourselves with the New Energy Dynamic

The chakras are an important part of our energy anatomy. Ideally we would like to feel that all of the chakras in our body are fully functioning. This is not the case. The... Read More

All About Bad Breath, its Symptoms & Prevention

Bad breath (or halitosis medical term root from Latin) can be a serious handicap on your social or business life. It is a source of embarrassment and shame. Bad breath or halitosis has... Read More

How Can Green Tea Benefit My Family?

No doubt you've heard of Green Tea and the health benefits you can experience from drinking it.Are you giving your family this powerful antioxidant daily?Here is a refresher on some of the benefits... Read More

5 Low Cost Ways to Soothe the Sting of Sunburn

Each of us most likely has at least one memory of nasty sunburn. Whether experienced personally, or by a close family member or friend, the symptoms are likely to include anything from red... Read More

Quick Tip for Runners Who Have Knee Pain

Running with knees that hurt and are not getting better trough time is no fun, and being addicted to running doesn't help either.Fortunately, pain isn't always a definite sign of tissue damage; instead... Read More

Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being

Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being by Georgianna Donadio D.C., M.Sc., Ph.D. ... Read More

Pediatric CI Therapy - An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca

As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find alternative means of evaluating and treating specific conditions. One of those communities is comprised of a professional and highly educated team of PhDs... Read More

What is Tea Tree Oil? Benefits?

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has a proven history of over sixty years of safe usage. Some call it the medecine cabinet in a bottle!Tea Tree 100% Pure Essential Oil!It's o.k. to apply... Read More

Alternative Fibromyalgia Therapies

Fibromyalgia is a mysterious disease that is effecting more and more people, as increasing numbers of patients are being diagnosed with this disorder. What is fibromyalgia, and what are some alterative therapies and... Read More

Bath Time For Your Alzheimer?s Patient

Caring for an Alzheimer's patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer's may... Read More

Enhanced Healing Through Music

Music has always been a very important part of our lives, from childhood to our being an adult. As a part of our experience, music can have both a physiological and psychological affect... Read More

Pain Anatomy 101: How Pain Works, And How Your Subconscious May Be Able to Short-Circuit It

In building a strategy for pain relief it may be helpful to understand how pain works. Here's a quick primer to help you grasp the mechanics, and show you the points where your... Read More

Aromatherapy for the Mind, Body, and Spirit - Sandalwood Essential Oil

For over 4000 years, the Sandalwood tree has played a significant part in Eastern culture as a material for art and artifacts, a medicine, and a divine aroma. Sandalwood products are obtained from... Read More

Super Bee Nutrition

Bee's and Bee NutritionWhat is the buzz about bee Nutrition? Well, you cant get more down to nature then bee products. Powerful anti-oxidants, skin creams, supplements, and much more. Let's look into the... Read More

Pain Relief: Is There an Alternative?

Do you rely on Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs) to ease pain? If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis or pain due to injuries, you probably are familiar with one... Read More

Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Old Medicine, New Synergies

The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly used as synonyms. Actually, the term alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like Ayurveda or Acupuncture that are used in place of conventional... Read More

Cold Laser Therapy: Hope for Arthritis

Having had the rare, first-hand opportunity to observe cold laser therapy treatment in action, I am impressed at its remarkable ability to help in healing with rheumatoid arthritis.As my dad suffers from various... Read More

The Facts About Glutathione and Parkinsons Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD), a devastating illness, occurs in one of every 100 people over 65.It is a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system that results in progressive destruction of brain cells (neurons)... Read More

Autism Behaviour in Childrens

Autism is a developmental disorder and the specific cause for autism is not known. It is believed that some biochemical imbalance would have caused autism and some believe that it is a psychological... Read More

Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or anticipated movement. People tend to experience motion sickness on a moving boat, train, airplane, automobile, or amusement park rides. Head movement can increase... Read More

Dangers of Dehydration - And The Importance of Kidney Cleansing

The human body is composed of 75 percent water and 25 percent solid matter. To provide nourishment, eliminate waste and regulate all the functions in the body, we need water. Most modern societies,... Read More

Bird Flu : A Disease You Can?t Ignore

AS BIRD flu, or Avian Influenza, raged through Asia, countries such as Vietnam, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Japan, Korea and Taiwan are stepping up on massive culling of their poultry as they... Read More

Use Fresh Herbs In Your Cooking

Many common herbs that you might use in cooking are well known for there healing properties. Using them in cooking is a great way to incorporate the healing attributes of natural herbs with... Read More

Hemorrhoids ? What Do I Need To Do?

There are many unpleasant symptoms and diseases associated with constipation. Hemorrhoids is one such symptom and many doctor or practitioners say, "its not a serious condition." As a natural nutritional consultant, I say,... Read More

Herbal and Home Remedies that Prevent Memory Loss

Even a single family member who is senile or afflicted with Alzheimer's is enough to make anyone dread the possibility. Since women have always lived longer than men, the Ancient Grandmothers have a... Read More

How To Rid Your Home Of The Nations #1 Health Menace

With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous than ever before!Scientific evidence now shows that the air inside our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. And because... Read More

Your Body?s Secret Wisdom-- Eating from the Tree of Life

Your body's secret wisdom is as ancient as humankind and encoded in every cell. It knows the perfect food for you to eat at any point in time. Yet we have lost touch... Read More

Substance P ? A Pain Amplifier You May Be Able To Restrict Using Your Subconscious

Substance P is a key neurotransmitter required to produce moderate to intense pain. Here's a natural method you may be able to use to help neutralize this pain-transmitting chemical.To appreciate the importance of... Read More