title: Is modified constraint-induced movement therapy more effective than bimanual training in improving arm motor function in the subacute phase post stroke? A randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) to bimanual task-related training for patients in the subacute phase post stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation clinics and the patient's home.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients in the subacute phase post stroke (2-16 weeks) were randomized to modified constraint-induced movement therapy with an emphasis on unimanual tasks, or bimanual task-related training, emphasizing bimanual tasks. All trained with a therapist 4 hours a week for four weeks, followed by a 2-3 hours daily self-training program. Patients in the modified constraint-induced movement therapy group were supposed to wear a restraining mitt on the unaffected hand for 4 hours a day for four weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blinded assessments at pre and post treatment and after three months with Action Research Arm Test as a primary outcome measure, Nine-Hole Peg Test and Motor Activity Log.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Power calculations suggested an inclusion of 60 patients, but due to recruitment difficulties the trial was stopped after an interim analysis at 30 patients. There was no difference in change (P > 0.05) between the groups on any of the measures, neither at post treatment nor at follow-up assessments. From pre-intervention to follow-up assessment the modified constraint-induced movement therapy group obtained a mean change score of 17.77 (14.66) on Action Research Arm Test, the bimanual group 15.47 (13.59).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bimanual training was as effective as modified constraint-induced movement therapy in improving arm motor function. Wearing a mitt seems unnecessary for most patients in the subacute phase post stroke when focused affected arm training is provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Unit for Neurorehabilitation, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Iris.Brunner@isf.ulb.no
authors.forename: Iris Charlotte
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Brunner
authors.forename: Jan Sture
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Skouen
authors.forename: Liv Inger
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Strand
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D001132:Arm; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010291:Paresis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation