Impacts of the Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on the Upper Limb Function in Acute Cerebral Apoplexy

Objective To observe the rehabilitation therapy of modified constraint-induced movement therapy(CIMT)on the upper limb function in the patients of hemiplegia due to cerebral apoplexy in acute stage.Methods 25 inpatients of cerebral apoplexy in acute stage combined with upper limb function disturbance were selected from April 2009 to February 2010,which were randomized into modified CIMT group(13 cases)and conventional rehabilitation group(conventional group,12 cases).The modified CIMT was adopted in modified CIMT group,in which,the constraint glove was used on the healthy upper limb during treatment,simultaneously,the concentrated intensive plastic training was provided.The treatment lasted 4h each day,totally 5 days each week,for 2 weeks continuously.In conventional group,positive and negative joint movements,neurodevelopmental therapy and functional electrical stimulation were adopted.Before and after treatment,the simple Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Action Research Arm Test(ARAT and Modified Barthel Index(MBI)were used for the assessment in each group.Results In conventional group,the scores in FMA,ARAT and MBI after treatment were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment(P0.05 or P0.01).In modified CIMT group,after treatment,ARAT,FMA and MBI scores were improved significantly(P0.01).The score of every item after treatment in modified CIMT group was improved obviously as compared with conventional group(P0.05).Conclusion The modified CIMT plays the active role in the recovery of the upper limb function in the patients with cerebral apoplexy in acute stage,which can improve the affected upper limb function,daily life activity and life quality of hemiplegia patients.