Constraint-induced therapy versus dose-matched control intervention to improve motor ability, basic/extended daily functions, and quality of life in stroke.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Keh-chung Lin, Ching-yi Wu, Jung-sen Liu, Yueh-tsen Chen, Chen-jung Hsu
• Journal: Neurorehabilitation and neural repair (Neurorehabil Neural Repair) Vol. 23 Issue 2 Pg. 160-5 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 1545-9683 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18981188 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Adult
• Aged
• Arm (innervation, physiopathology)
• Exercise Therapy (methods, statistics & numerical data)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mobility Limitation
• Movement Disorders (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Muscle, Skeletal (innervation, physiopathology)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Paresis (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Physical Fitness (physiology)
• Quality of Life
• Restraint, Physical (methods, statistics & numerical data)
• Stroke (physiopathology)
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Treatment Outcome