Is there a dose-dependent effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy in patients with hemiplegia?

Impairment of upper extremity function is a common sequelae of stroke. It has been reported that modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) could prove to be effective.

To investigate the relationship between the intensity of rehabilitation such as treatment and constraining time, and the functional outcome for the paretic upper extremity in stroke patients through mCIMT.

We conducted an observational prospective study of 31 patients with hemiplegia and subacute or chronic stroke. The mCIMT was performed for two weeks. Rehabilitation time and constraining time were variable among patients. The rehabilitation time included an individualized task-oriented program and conventional occupation treatment with an individualized therapist. The constraining time, with mit or splint, was also asked to self-record individually. The outcome was evaluated on the more affected side by the Wolf Motor Function Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motor Activity Log 14, and Functional Independence Measure for self-care tasks after the therapy.

All participants after the modified constraint-induced movement therapy program for two weeks improved on the evaluated outcome measures (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the dose-dependent treatment or constraining time and outcomes. Comparisons improvement with subgroups based on the duration from onset, constraining component, dominant hand consistent with lesion side of stroke, and initial medical research council score for muscle strength, also showed no significant differences.

This is the first study on the effects of intensity of mCIMT with respect to time-dosage. Although all patients in this study showed improved functional status, no significant correlation between dose-dependent rehabilitation or constraining time and outcomes was seen.