Objectives: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been shown to be effective in chronic stroke patients. It is worthwhile to investigate the influence of individual factors for two reasons: to find out whether they influence outcome and to see whether they support the theory underlying CIMT.
Methods: A group of 26 patients were treated with CIMT and followed over 6 months. In total, 14 individual factors were identified. Patients were assessed with 6 tests, including 2 commonly used after stroke (Frenchay Arm Test, 9 Hole Peg Test).
Results: There were individual differences, but as a group, patients improved after therapy. There were no individual factors that influenced improvement in more than one test.
Conclusions: CIMT is an effective therapy in patients with moderate impairment after stroke, also in tests commonly used in stroke rehabilitation. Factors that could have expected to make a difference on the basis of the theory behind CIMT (e.g., time since stroke, previous therapy, sensory deficit) did not influence results. Patients with hemorrhagic lesions and those with a high level of performance (Motor Activity Log > 2.5) profit as well. Pairwise therapy is as effective as individual therapy.