Neuropediatrics 2025; 56(S 01): S1-S24
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812140
Movement Disorders

A Novel Concept for Multimodal Intensive Rehabilitation for Children with Hemiparesis: Magic Moves

Authors

  • P. Kolorz

    1   LMU Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Munich, Germany

  • A. Sitzberger

    1   LMU Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Munich, Germany

  • M. Marx

    1   LMU Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Munich, Germany

  • J. Kaiser

    1   LMU Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Munich, Germany

  • N. Sollmann

    2   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
    3   UM-Neuroimaging Center, TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
    4   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
    5   Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany

  • C. Ramschütz

    2   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
    3   UM-Neuroimaging Center, TUM Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany

  • S. Berweck

    1   LMU Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Munich, Germany

  • S. Schröder

    6   Kinderzentrum Maulbronn, Maulbronn, Germany

  • M. V. Bonfert

    1   LMU Hospital, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine and LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity, Munich, Germany
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    Background/Purpose: Children with hemiparesis experience limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and participation due to impaired upper limb function. High-intensity, short-term interventions were effective in promoting neuroplasticity and motor function. Our group developed a novel treatment concept combining goal-directed training, repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation, training of magic tricks, and group activities focusing on bimanual activities: Magic Moves.

    Methods: Ten children (10.7 ± 1.7 years) took part in a 2-week camp in a nonmedical location. In 10 days, they underwent 45 therapy hours in total, aiming at improving performance in three self-selected bimanual ADL. Effects of the intervention were assessed by outcome measures covering all International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains at baseline, 1 and 12 weeks after the camp.

    Results: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure indicated a significant improvement in performance and satisfaction with the targeted ADL (p < 0.001), which was also the case for the Performance Quality Rating Scale (p < 0.001). According to the Children's Hand Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ), the number of bimanual activities (p = 0.002) and of activities performed with help (p < 0.001), grasp efficacy (p = 0.002), and time utilization (p = 0.046) significantly improved. Self-esteem assessed by “Aussagenliste zum Selbstwertgefühl” significantly increased (p = 0.013). Other outcome measures, including the Assisting Hand Assessment and functional motor tests, did not demonstrate statistically significant changes on the group level (p > 0.05).

    Conclusion: Magic Moves promoted progress in several aspects important for participation and independence. The findings for CHEQ are in line with the results of comparable studies. Next, the Magic Moves concept will be made available at our institution on a regular basis and will be developed further to meet the needs of children with bilateral cerebral palsy as well.


     

    No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

    Publication History

    Article published online:
    26 September 2025

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