Individual factors in constraint-induced movement therapy after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been shown to be effective in chronic stroke patients. It is worthwhile to investigate the influence of individual factors for two reasons: to find out whether they influence outcome and to see whether they support the theory underlying CIMT.


METHODS
A group of 26 patients were treated with CIMT and followed over 6 months. In total, 14 individual factors were identified. Patients were assessed with 6 tests, including 2 commonly used after stroke (Frenchay Arm Test, 9 Hole Peg Test).


RESULTS
There were individual differences, but as a group, patients improved after therapy. There were no individual factors that influenced improvement in more than one test.


CONCLUSIONS
CIMT is an effective therapy in patients with moderate impairment after stroke, also in tests commonly used in stroke rehabilitation. Factors that could have expected to make a difference on the basis of the theory behind CIMT (e.g., time since stroke, previous therapy, sensory deficit) did not influence results. Patients with hemorrhagic lesions and those with a high level of performance (Motor Activity Log > 2.5) profit as well. Pairwise therapy is as effective as individual therapy.
Rijntjes
Michel
M
Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. rijntjes@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Hobbeling
Verena
V
Hamzei
Farsin
F
Dohse
Stefanie
S
Ketels
Gesche
G
Liepert
Joachim
J
Weiller
Cornelius
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome