Modified constraint-induced movement therapy improves fine and gross motor performance of the upper limb in Parkinson disease

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of modified constraint-induced movement therapy on hand and arm functions in people with Parkinson disease.

Design: Twenty individuals with Parkinson disease participated in the study. The experimental group (ten subjects) performed modified constraint-induced movement therapy for 4 wks (3 hrs/day, 5 days/wk), whereas the control group performed general upper limb exercises on the same schedule. The outcome measures both pretest and posttest were the box and block test, Fugl-Meyer assessment, and action research arm test.

Results: The scores for the box and block test in the experimental group increased from 35.8 ± 2.6 to 44.8 ± 3.4 after training. Total scores for the Fugl-Meyer assessment in the experimental group significantly increased from 33.6 ± 1.5 to 53.7 ± 3.1 after training. Greater improvement in action research arm test scores were observed in the experimental group (from 35.1 ± 4.9 to 50.8 ± 3.6) than in the general exercise group (from 33.1 ± 2.2 to 34.8 ± 2.7).

Conclusions: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy improves fine and gross motor performances of the upper limb in people with Parkinson disease. Therefore, the therapy would be recommended as an effective treatment for them.