Distributed form of constraint-induced movement therapy improves functional outcome and quality of life after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a distributed version of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT).


METHODS
Within-subjects control intervention study.


METHODS
Outpatient rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Eleven persons with chronic stroke. All had active extension of at least 20 degrees at the wrist and at least 10 degrees for each finger of the more-affected hand.


METHODS
Intensive motor training of the more-affected arm for 3 hours a day for 20 days; restraint of the other arm for 9.3 hours daily to limit its use. This intervention provides the same amount of training as provided in the conventional CIMT therapy protocol (60 h) but distributes training time over twice the number of days.


METHODS
Real-world (Motor Activity Log) and laboratory motor activity (Wolf Motor Function Test, Frenchay Arm Test, Nine Hole Peg Test), strength (grip force) and spasticity (Ashworth Scale), and quality of life (QOL; Stroke Impact Scale) were assessed.


RESULTS
Participants showed significant improvements in more-affected arm real-world motor activity, laboratory motor activity, strength and spasticity, as well as in some aspects of QOL, up to 6 months after treatment ( P .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Distributed CIMT is a promising intervention for improving motor function and QOL in patients with chronic stroke.
Dettmers
Christian
C
Neurologisches Therapiecentrum, Reha-Zentrum Berlinger Tor, Hamburg, Germany. c.dettmers@berlinger-tor.de
Teske
Ulrike
U
Hamzei
Farsin
F
Uswatte
Gitendra
G
Taub
Edward
E
Weiller
Cornelius
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome