ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical effect of a modified version of constraint-induced movement therapy(MCIMT)on motor recovery in the upper extremities of stroke patients. Methods Twenty-seven stroke patients were randomly divided into a treatment group(n=14)and a routine group(n=13).The Bobath approach and functional arm exercise were administered to the patients in the routine group(2 h/d,5 times a week)for ten weeks.The MCIMT administered to the treatment group involved restriction of the functional arm by a sling during 90%of waking time and during training(by shaping)of the affected extremity(1 hour per day,three times a week)in addition to activities of daily living exercise for at least 2 hours every day.The main outcome measures were the ten items of the simplified test for evaluating hand function(STEF)and Wolf's Motor Function Test(WMFT). Results No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regard to WMFT and STEF scores before treatment.After treatment,both groups had improved their WMFT and STEF scores significantly,but there was a significant difference between the treatment and the control groups with regard to WMFT scores and 7 items of the STEF test. Conclusion Modified constraint-induced movement therapy is effective not only for promoting motor recovery of the upper extremity,but also for improving the flexibility and velocity of movement instroke patients.