EFFECTS OF CONSTRAINT INDUCED MOVEMENT THERAPY IN IMPROVING UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION IN STROKE PATIENTS

Manjula S.* and Dr. P. Senthil Selvam

ABSTRACT

Back Ground: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an approach to stroke rehabilitation that involves the forced use and massed practice of the affected arm by restraining the unaffected arm. This has been proposed as a useful tool for recovering abilities in everyday activities. This therapy has been studied by high quality research studies and has been found beneficial for arm function in some patients- especially those who already have some use of their arm and hand. Aim and Objective of The Study: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of constrained induced movement therapy in improving upper extremity function in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study which includes a total of 20 samples of age group between 65-75years. They were divided into two groups- control group and experimental group. The control group performed the were given normal stroke protocols of upper extremity and the experimental group performed Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). Result: The result showed significant improvement in both the groups. However, it is, group B subjects who were treated with Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) showed an extremely significant improvement than when compared to group A subjects who were treated with strengthening exercises. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the groups were effective in improving balance but group B is more effective than group A.

Keywords: Stoke, Stroke rehabilitation, Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), strengthening exercises.