Abstract:

Background: Erb’s palsy is a common type of obstetric brachial plexus injury involving the C5–C6 nerve roots, resulting in weakness, reduced range of motion, poor coordination, and functional limitations of the affected upper limb in children. Conventional physiotherapy is commonly used to improve recovery; however, many children continue to underuse the affected limb due to learned non-use. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) has emerged as an effective intervention to promote active use of the weaker upper limb.

Aim: To review the effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in improving upper limb motor function in children with Erb’s palsy.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2012 and 2025 were included. Randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant full-text English articles focusing on CIMT in Erb’s palsy were selected.

Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that CIMT significantly improved spontaneous use of the affected upper limb, muscle strength, joint mobility, hand function, coordination, and performance in daily activities. CIMT was also found to reduce learned non-use by encouraging repetitive, goal-directed use of the affected limb. Modified CIMT protocols combined with conventional physiotherapy showed better outcomes than conventional treatment alone.

Conclusion: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy is an effective and evidence-based rehabilitation approach for children with Erb’s palsy. It enhances upper limb motor recovery, functional independence, and quality of life when incorporated with conventional physiotherapy. Therefore, CIMT can be recommended as a valuable component in the rehabilitation management of Erb’s palsy.

Keywords:

CIMT, Erb’s Palsy, Rehabilitation.

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Methods