Constraint-induced movement therapy in the rehabilitation of stroke patients

Janusz Otfinowski, Bożena Jasiak-Tyrkalska, Agnieszka Bogunia, Beata Buda

Janusz Otfinowski, Bożena Jasiak-Tyrkalska, Agnieszka Bogunia, Beata Buda – Constraint-induced movement therapy in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Fizjoterapia Polska 2004; 4(1); 19-24

Abstract

Background. This article presents some preliminary results from the rehabilitation of patients with impaired hand function after stroke. The basis for therapy was the method introduced by Taub, known as Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), which involves the temporary constraint of the healthy upper limb, with simultaneous intensive motor rehabilitation of the dysfunctional limb. Material and methods. Our research involved 10 patients treated in the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Jagiellonian University College of Medicine for post-stroke hemiparesis. There were 5 men and 5 women in this group, ranging in age from 57 to 77 years (ave. 66.5). The time since onset ranged from 1 to 50 months (ave. 11.4 months). CIMT was used in all patients. Results. After 2 weeks of rehabilitation all the patients required less time to perform manual tests, and showed marked functional improvement in the affected hand. Conclusions. The CIMT method is effective in the rehabilitation of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Key words:
Stroke, rehabilitation of the hand, CIMT
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