Effect and appropriate restriction period of constraint-induced movement therapy in hemiparetic patients with brain injury: a brief report.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect on fine motor ability and the appropriate restriction period of constraint-induced movement therapy in hemiparetic patients with brain injury.


METHODS
Nine chronic hemiparetic patients with brain injury were studied. After confirming the cessation of further recovery of fine motor ability by Purdue pegboard test and motor function by the Medical Research Council for three consecutive weeks, the affected hand was restricted with an opposition restriction orthosis. The fine motor ability of the affected hand was assessed weekly using Purdue pegboard test and the orthosis was taken off when the Purdue pegboard score showed no further increase over three consecutive weeks.


RESULTS
Purdue pegboard score increased in all patients. The mean post-treatment Purdue pegboard score (10.7) was significantly increased over that of pre-treatment (8.7) (p < 0.05). The mean restriction period was 3.6 weeks (range, 2 to 5 weeks).


CONCLUSIONS
Constraint-induced movement therapy is an effective therapeutic method to improve the fine motor ability of the hemiparetic hand of brain-injured patients. It can be assumed that the appropriate restriction period is best decided individually, on a case by case basis, according to the time that maximizes the hand function of the affected hand.
Cho
Yun Woo
YW
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Yeungnam University School of Medicine, Taegu, South Korea.
Jang
Sung Ho
SH
Lee
Zee Ihn
ZI
Song
Jun Chan
JC
Lee
Hye Kyoung
HK
Lee
Hyun Young
HY
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010291:Paresis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation