23-Improving Motor Outcomes through Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

(Stephanie Combs, MS, PT, NCS University of Indianapolis,
Valerie Bush Merriman, OTR, SPT Krannert School of Physical Therapy)

Upper extremity motor disability commonly occurs following stroke. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CI therapy) is a novel therapeutic approach which emphasizes recovery of upper extremity movement dysfunction through intense, short-term repetitive practice. An overview of current concepts and evidence related to CI therapy will be presented. Theoretical foundations underlying CI therapy, protocol components, and recent findings will be discussed. CI therapy procedures and protocol modifications will be explored for application to the neurorehabilitation clinical environment.

References:

-Hakkennes S, Keating JL. Constraint-induced movement therapy following stroke: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. 2005;51:221-231.

-Morris DM, Taub E. Constraint-induced therapy approach to restoring function after neurological injury. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation. 2001;8(3):16-30.

-Winstein CJ, Miller JP, Blanton S, Morris DM, Uswatte G, Taub E, Nichols D, Wolf SL. Methods for a multi-site randomized trial to investigate the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy in improving upper extremity function among adults recovering from a cerebrovascular stroke. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair. 2003;17:137-152.