The Use of TheraBracelet Upper Extremity Vibrotactile Stimulation in a Child with Cerebral Palsy—A Case Report

Abstract

TheraBracelet is a peripheral vibrotactile stimulation applied to affected upper extremities via a wristwatch-like wearable device during daily activities and therapy to improve upper limb function. The objective of this study was to examine the 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. Future research is warranted to investigate TheraBracelet as a propitious therapeutic device with a focus on the potential impact of use to improve the affected upper limb function in daily activities in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.