Shortened constraint-induced movement therapy in subacute stroke - no effect of using a restraint: a randomized controlled study with independent observers.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of using a mitt during shortened constraint-induced movement therapy for patients in the subacute phase after stroke.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients with stroke (mean age 57.6 (standard deviation (SD) 8.5) years; average 7 weeks post-stroke) with mild to moderate impaired hand function.


METHODS
The patients were randomized to mitt use or no mitt use on the less affected hand for 90% of waking hours for 12 days. All patients received 3 h of arm and hand training per day for 2 weeks. Assessments were made by blinded observers using the modified Motor Assessment Scale, the Sollerman hand function test, the 2-Point Discrimination test and Motor Activity Log test.


RESULTS
Patients in both groups showed significant improvements in arm and hand motor performance and on self-reported motor ability after 2 weeks of therapy and at 3 months follow-up. However, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found in any measures at any point in time.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, no effect of using a restraint in patients with subacute stroke was found. Thus, this component in the constraint-induced therapy concept seems to be of minor importance for the outcome.
Brogårdh
Christina
C
Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. christina.brogardh@skane.se
Vestling
Monika
M
Sjölund
Bengt H
BH
D000368:Aged; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D015588:Observer Variation; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology