Effect of intense functional task training upon temporal structure of variability of upper extremity post stroke.
METHODS
Quasi-experimental design.


BACKGROUND
Although the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation post stroke is well known, the efficacy of CIMT to enhance the temporal structure of variability in upper extremity movement is not known.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CIMT could enhance the temporal structure of variability in upper extremity movement in individuals with chronic stroke.


METHODS
Six participants with chronic stroke underwent CIMT for 4 h/day for 2 weeks. Participants performed three trials of functional reach-to-grasp before and after CIMT. Temporal structure of variability was determined by calculating approximate entropy (ApEn) in shoulder, elbow and wrist flexion/extension joint angles.


RESULTS
ApEn increased post CIMT, however, statistical significance was not achieved (p > 0.0167).


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies with larger sample size are warranted to investigate the effect of CIMT upon temporal structure of variability in UE movement.


METHODS
4.
Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555, USA. amsethi@utmb.edu
Amit
A
Sethi
Sandra
S
Davis
Theresa
T
McGuirk
Tara S
TS
Patterson
Lorie G
LG
Richards
D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology