Background: TheraBracelet is peripheral vibrotactile stimulation applied to the affected upper extremity via a wristwatch-like wearable device during daily activities and therapy to improve upper limb function. The objective of this study was to examine feasibility of using TheraBracelet for a child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Methods: A nine-year-old male with cerebral palsy was provided with TheraBracelet to use during daily activities in the home and community settings for 1.5 years while receiving standard care physical/occupational therapy.
Results: The child used TheraBracelet independently and consistently except during summer vacations and elbow-to-wrist orthotic use from growth spurt-related contracture. The use of TheraBracelet did not impede or prevent participation in daily activities. No study-related adverse events were reported by the therapist, child, or parent.
Conclusion: Future research is warranted to investigate TheraBracelet as a propitious therapeutic device with focus on potential impact of use to improve the affected upper limb function in daily activities in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Keywords: cerebral palsy; feasibility; paresis; rehabilitation; repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation; stochastic resonance; subliminal stimulation; upper extremity; vibrotactile stimulation; wearable device.