Dubai International Rehabilitation Forum REHAB 2008 Conference Theme Beyond Inclusion and Partnership Research Collaboration between Swedish and Jordinans universities in the field of disability

Dr Ann-Christin Eliasson Associate professor, occupational therapist - of Woman and Child Health -Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Dr. Saleh Al-Oraibi Assistant Professor, Doctorate (PhD) in physiotherapy and rehabilitation -Hashemite University Jordan

SWEDISH RESEARCH LINKS PROGRAMME

Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Hashemite University, Zarka, Jordan

Pilot study: Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

   A new approach was available to train hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy Earlier used for adults with stroke  The first studies for children recommended that the stronger arm was completely restrained for 3 weeks using a lightweight fiberglass cast extending from the upper arm to the fingertips The mothers in Jordan found it difficult to manage

Astrid Lindgren Children Hospital

Objectives of the Swedish Link Programme

   To encourage research cooperation between researchers in Sweden and in MENA, Asia and South Africa The long-term goal is to contribute to mutual scientific and socioeconomic development of the countries involved through funding of collaborative research projects. Seeks to fulfill:   establish a basis for long-term research cooperation. produce new knowledge and enhance understanding in fields of mutual concern and relevance.    promote research excellence and quality. encourage the internationalisation of research institutions. foster interdisciplinary and scientifically complementary research.

Swedish Research Links Programme

 The key condition is a joint applications  Offers two forms of grant   International Planning Grant: 1 year International Research Grant: 3years  The grants fund research partners´  joint activities such as project visits, seminars, workshops and joint publishing.   Minor items of equipment for use in collaborative projects Funding is awarded for both basic and applied research

The Research program

Effect of training with Constraint Induced Movement therapy: a randomized controlled study for improved hand function in small children with cerebral palsy Assistant professor Saleh Oraibi, Hashemite University, Zarka, Jordan Associate professor Ann-Christin Eliasson, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

The main ideas:

   Intensive training During a certain period A restraint on the dominant hand

Constraint induced Movement therapy

Taub’s hypothesis Unsuccessful motor attempts Failure Try Success Behaviour suppression Continue trying Learned nonuse Learned use

CI therapy program

   2 hours a day during 2 months In the children’s usual environment, at home or/and in pre-school Supervision from a therapist once a week

Conventional therapy?

 Regular treatment program once a week, 30 minutes home program

AHA assessment

Objectives for the research collaboration

   Teaching and dissemination of the recently developed CIMT approach in treatment of children with CP to therapists in Jordan and Middle East. Development of simple and efficient tests to measure motor function changes in children with CP in their natural environment.

Expansion of collaborative research efforts pertaining to children with physical disabilities between Arab countries and Sweden.

Jordan - Sweden program:

  One planning grant and one 3-year grant Joint activities:  Dr Oraibi has visit Sweden, for project planning and exchange of experience  Dr Eliasson has visiting Jordan for exchange of experience  Workshops for therapists involved in the project and others  An AHA Course in a new assessment for therapist in the project and others  Visits for follow up of the pilot study and for starting the main project

Benefits from our collaboration

 The primary beneficiaries of this project will be the children with CP in the region, collaborative centers, researchers and therapists.  The tests developed will be available for other populations with movement disorders. The participating children were objectively evaluated  Increasing awareness of parents and therefore the community to the condition of the children in the study  Up-grading of professional standards and skills of the researchers and therapists