A randomized controlled trial of modified constraint-induced movement therapy for elderly stroke survivors: changes in motor impairment, daily functioning, and quality of life

Abstract

Objective: To examine the benefits of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on motor function, daily function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly stroke survivors.

Design: Two-group randomized controlled trial, with pretreatment and posttreatment measures.

Setting: Rehabilitation clinics.

Participants: Twenty-six elderly stroke patients (mean age, 72 y) with 0.5 to 31 months postonset of a first-ever cerebrovascular accident.

Interventions: Twenty-six patients received either mCIMT (restraint of the unaffected limb combined with intensive training of the affected limb) or traditional rehabilitation for a period of 3 weeks.

Main outcome measures: Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), FIM instrument, Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The FMA evaluated the severity of motor impairment; the FIM instrument and MAL reported daily function; and the SIS detected HRQOL.

Results: The mCIMT group exhibited significantly greater improvements in motor function, daily function, and the physical domain of HRQOL than the traditional rehabilitation group. Patients in the mCIMT group perceived significantly greater percent of recovery after treatment than patients in the traditional rehabilitation group.

Conclusions: These findings suggest mCIMT is a promising intervention for improving motor function, daily function, and physical aspects of HRQOL in elderly patients with stroke. The mCIMT was well tolerated by the elderly patients even though it is a rigorous training program.