Article

There is limited evidence for the effects of constraint-induced
movement therapy (CIMT) in the early stages of stroke recovery. OBJECTIVE: To
evaluate the effect of a modified CIMT within 4 weeks poststroke. METHODS: This
single-blinded randomized multisite trial investigated the effects of CIMT in 47
individuals who had experienced a stroke in the preceding 26 days. Patients were
allocated to a CIMT or a usual care (control) group. The CIMT program was 3 h/d
over 10 consecutive working days, with mitt use on the unaffected arm for up to
90% of waking hours. The follow-up time was 6 months. The primary outcome was the
Wolf Motor Function test (WMFT) score. Secondary outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer
upper-extremity motor score, Nine-Hole Peg test (NHPT) score, the arm use ratio,
and the Stroke Impact Scale. Analyses of covariance with adjustment for baseline
values were used to assess differences between the groups. RESULTS: After
treatment, the mean timed WMFT score was significantly better in the CIMT group
compared with the control group. Moreover, posttreatment dexterity, as tested
with the NHPT, was significantly better in the CIMT group, whereas the other test
results were similar in both the groups. At the 6-month follow-up, the 2 groups
showed no significant difference in arm impairment, function, or use in daily
activities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a favorable effect of CIMT on timed movement
measures immediately after treatment, significant effects were not found after 6
months.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS