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

Taub’s hypothesis FailureLearnednonuse Unsuccessful motor attempts Behavioursuppression Learneduse Try Continuetrying Success Success Constraint induced Movement therapy

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

 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 Benefits from our collaboration