Effect of the Application of Constraint- Induced Movement Therapy on the Recovery of Affected Hand Function after Stroke

Abstract

Background. Research aim was to evaluate the effect of the application of constraint-induced movement therapy
on the recovery of affected hand function after stroke. Research hypothesis: The application of constraint-induced
movement therapy on the recovery of affected hand function after stroke would be more effective than the application
of conventional physiotherapy.
Methods. The study employed the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Lovett’s test, Modified Movement
Assessment Scale (MMAS) hydraulic dynamometer, and Wolf Motor Function Test.
Results. Results showed that constraint – induced movement therapy for patients after stroke helps to recover
injured hand movement more effectively (p < .05), enhances performance of functional tasks (p < .05) and also
increases muscle strength (p < .05) compared to conventional physiotherapy.
Conclusions. After the application of the conventional physiotherapy for patients after stroke affected hand
movements and functional task performance improved and the hand grip strength increased statistically significantly.
Applying the constraint-induced movement therapy for patients after stroke affected hand movements and functional
task  performance  improved  and  the  hand  grip  strength  increased  statistically  significantly.  The  application  of
constraint-induced movement therapy for patients after stroke statistically significantly more improved the affected
hand function than the application of conventional physiotherapy.

Keywords:  constraint-induced movement therapy, stroke, hand function, rehabilitation, physiotherapy.