Constraint-induced therapy versus dose-matched control intervention to improve motor ability, basic/extended daily functions, and quality of life in stroke.
BACKGROUND
Trials of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIT) to improve upper extremity function after stroke have usually not included an actively treated control group.


OBJECTIVE
This study compared a modified CIT intervention with a dose-matched control intervention that included restraint of the less affected hand and assessed for differences in motor and functional performance and health-related quality of life.


METHODS
This 2-group randomized controlled trial, using pretreatment and posttreatment measures, enrolled 32 patients within 6 to 40 months after onset of a first stroke (mean age, 55.7 years). They received either CIT (restraint of the less affected limb combined with intensive training of the affected limb for 2 hours daily 5 days per week for 3 weeks and restraint of the less affected hand for 5 hours outside of the rehabilitation training) or a conventional intervention with hand restraint for the same duration. Outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Functional Independence Measure, Motor Activity Log, Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale.


RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the CIT group exhibited significantly better performance in motor function, level of functional independence, mobility of extended activities during daily life, and health-related quality of life after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The robust effects of this form of CIT were demonstrated in various aspects of outcome, including motor function, basic and extended functional ability, and quality of life.
Lin
Keh-chung
KC
School of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Wu
Ching-yi
CY
Liu
Jung-sen
JS
Chen
Yueh-tsen
YT
Hsu
Chen-jung
CJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010291:Paresis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome