Longer versus shorter daily constraint-induced movement therapy of chronic hemiparesis: an exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the effects of 3-hour versus 6-hour daily training sessions in constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT).


METHODS
Intervention study, 2-group randomized trial; baseline, pretreatment, and posttreatment measures; 1-month follow-up (weekly measures).


METHODS
University department of psychology in Germany.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 15 adults with chronic hemiparesis (13 stroke, 2 traumatic brain injury).


METHODS
CIMT (14 consecutive days; constraint of unaffected hand for a target of 90% of waking hours) with either 6 hours (6h/d group, n=7) or 3 hours (3h/d group, n=8) of shaping training with the affected hand per day.


METHODS
The Motor Activity Log and Wolf Motor Function Test.


RESULTS
Significant improvements in motor function in the laboratory and increased use of the affected hand in the real-world environment were found in both groups. The beneficial effects were significantly greater in the 6h/d group than in the 3h/d group.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-hour CIMT training schedule significantly improved motor function in chronic hemiparesis, but it was less effective than the 6-hour training schedule.
Sterr
Annette
A
Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, UK.asterr@liverpool.ac.uk
Elbert
Thomas
T
Berthold
Irina
I
Kölbel
Sabine
S
Rockstroh
Brigitte
B
Taub
Edward
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010291:Paresis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis