Constraint-Induced Movement therapy can improve hemiparetic progressive multiple sclerosis. Preliminary findings
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35249-7330, USA. vwmark@uab.edu
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|June 25, 2008
Summary
Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) shows promise for improving upper extremity function in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with hemiparesis. This therapy enhanced real-world limb use and motor ability.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause chronic upper extremity hemiparesis.
- Learned non-use of the affected limb is common in MS patients.
- Effective rehabilitation strategies for progressive MS are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) for chronic upper extremity hemiparesis in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- Five patients with progressive MS and upper extremity hemiparesis participated.
- They received 30 hours of CI therapy over 2-10 weeks.
- This included repetitive task training, shaping, and behavioral techniques.
Main Results:
- Patients demonstrated significant improvements in real-world limb use post-treatment.
- Improvements were sustained at 4 weeks post-treatment.
- Enhanced fatigue ratings and maximal movement ability were observed.
Conclusions:
- CI therapy may benefit individuals with slowly progressive MS and hemiparesis.
- This is the first study suggesting CI therapy's potential in this population.
- Further research is required to assess treatment response retention.
