Maximizing Bimanual Outcome in Infants and Children with Hemiparesis: Implementation

In person location: West Tennessee Healthcare Therapy & Learning Center, 10 Garland Dr, Jackson, TN 38305

Virtual location: Zoom (details included in the registration confirmation)

Speakers: Gina Lee, MA, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with 20 years of experience at a tertiary- level pediatric hospital, specializing in the rehabilitation of infants and children with hemiparesis, brachial plexus injuries, hand conditions, and facial palsy.  She is recognized for her expertise in developing and delivering evidence-based, family-centered interventions.  In addition to her clinical work, she has led and partnered in research initiatives and developed innovative, evidenced-based rehabilitation programs aimed at improving functional outcomes in children with neurological and musculoskeletal impairments.   A strong advocate for knowledge exchange, she has presented her work at regional, national, and international conferences, and is dedicated to mentoring, quality improvement, and advancing clinical practice through education.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Define functional capacity versus performance in neurorehabilitation.
2. Compare and contrast shaping and dosage in forced use casting, constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT), modified constraint induced therapy (mCIMT), and bimanual therapy.
3. Understand the theoretical foundations and psychometric properties of the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) and its role in evaluating bimanual performance in children with hemi cerebral palsy.
4. Demonstrate strategies for integrating AHA findings into individualized mCIMT and bimanual therapy interventions to optimize bimanual performance.

Course Description:

This presentation focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies to enhance bimanual performance in young children with hemiparesis. Participants will distinguish functional capacity from performance and effectively apply “green light” interventions—CIMT, mCIMT, and bimanual therapy—to promote motor learning. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical foundations and psychometric strengths of the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) as a key measure of bimanual performance. Participants will develop skills in utilizing AHA outcomes to guide individualized therapy plans, apply shaping techniques to optimize motor outcomes, and set achievable goals that maximize functional participation in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

1.0 Contact Hours; Free for members; $20 for non-members