Longer versus shorter daily constraint-induced movement therapy of chronic hemiparesis: an exploratory study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of 3-hour versus 6-hour daily training sessions in constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT).

Design: Intervention study, 2-group randomized trial; baseline, pretreatment, and posttreatment measures; 1-month follow-up (weekly measures).

Setting: University department of psychology in Germany.

Participants: A convenience sample of 15 adults with chronic hemiparesis (13 stroke, 2 traumatic brain injury).

Intervention: CIMT (14 consecutive days; constraint of unaffected hand for a target of 90% of waking hours) with either 6 hours (6h/d group, n=7) or 3 hours (3h/d group, n=8) of shaping training with the affected hand per day.

Main outcome measures: The Motor Activity Log and Wolf Motor Function Test.

Results: Significant improvements in motor function in the laboratory and increased use of the affected hand in the real-world environment were found in both groups. The beneficial effects were significantly greater in the 6h/d group than in the 3h/d group.

Conclusion: The 3-hour CIMT training schedule significantly improved motor function in chronic hemiparesis, but it was less effective than the 6-hour training schedule.