A randomized controlled trial of self-regulated modified constraint-induced movement therapy in sub-acute stroke patients

K P Y Liu; K Balderi; T L F Leung; A S Y Yue; N C W Lam; J T Y Cheung; S S M Fong; C M W Sum; M Bissett; R Rye; V C T Mok

doi:10.1111/ene.13037

A randomized controlled trial of self-regulated modified constraint-induced movement therapy in sub-acute stroke patients

Eur J Neurol. 2016 Aug;23(8):1351-60. doi: 10.1111/ene.13037. Epub 2016 May 19.

Authors

K P Y Liu¹, K Balderi², T L F Leung³, A S Y Yue³, N C W Lam⁴, J T Y Cheung³, S S M Fong⁵, C M W Sum³, M Bissett⁶, R Rye¹, V C T Mok⁷

Affiliations

¹ Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
² Concord Hopsital, Concord, NSW, Australia.
³ Hong Kong Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, China.
⁴ Recovre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
⁵ The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
⁶ Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia.
⁷ The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

PMID: 27194393
DOI: 10.1111/ene.13037

Abstract

Background and purpose: Emerging research suggests the use of self-regulation (SR) for improving functional regain in patients post stroke. SR is proposed to produce an added effect to effective modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). This study aimed to examine the effect of a self-regulated mCIMT programme (SR-mCIMT) for functional regain in patients with sub-acute stroke.

Methods: Eighty-six patients completed the trial: SR-mCIMT, n = 29; mCIMT, n = 31; or conventional functional rehabilitation, n = 26. All interventions were 2-week therapist-guided training. Outcome measurements, taken by a blinded assessor, examined arm function [Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)], daily task performance [Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (Lawton IADL)] and self-perceived arm use in functional tasks [Motor Activity Log (MAL)].

Results: Significant differences were found with the SR-mCIMT outperforming the other groups after the intervention (ARAT, P = 0.006; FMA, Lawton IADL and MAL, all Ps < 0.001). In terms of the carry-over effect, the SR-mCIMT group outperformed in the hand and coordination subscales of ARAT and FMA (P = 0.012-0.013) and the self-perceived quality of arm use (P = 0.002).

Conclusion: A combination of SR and mCIMT could produce an added effect in functional regain in patients post stroke.

Keywords: functional recovery; modified constraint-induced movement therapy; randomized controlled trial; self-regulation; stroke.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Activities of Daily Living*
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Physical Therapy Modalities*
Recovery of Function / physiology
Self-Control*
Stroke / physiopathology*
Stroke Rehabilitation*
Treatment Outcome