Weight-supported training of the upper extremity in children with cerebral palsy: a motor learning study.

Only 11 children were analysed, and the study had no randomised control group, so the findings are preliminary. Two of 13 recruited children were excluded for lack of compliance, and only 6 of 11 children completed the 8-day retention check. The children were mildly to moderately impaired and already good on several tests, so the study may not apply to more severely affected children. Training was only three days long, with 70 one-minute trials, and the device did not record how many movements were made. Usual rehabilitation continued during the study, including more occupational therapy sessions in week 2, so the contribution of the game, weight support, and routine therapy cannot be separated. Assessors were not blinded, which can bias clinical scores. The game score could improve because children chose higher-value targets, not only because movement became smoother. The kinematic assessment used a fixed workspace while training used a personalised workspace, and the device may have limited shoulder movement. The kinematic assessment was assisted as needed, which may have reduced the size of detectable changes.

The supplied funding statement names Fondation Gaydoul, Mäxi Foundation, and CRPP as funders. It does not state that a company selling the device funded, designed, or wrote the study.

Do not read the 3.95 blocks per minute change as proof that the ARMEO Spring alone improved hand function. The children also received usual inpatient rehabilitation, and the path-ratio, task time, and Melbourne scores did not show a clear improvement.