A 1-year follow-up after shortened constraint-induced movement therapy with and without mitt poststroke.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the long-term benefits of shortened constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in the subacute phase poststroke. DESIGN: A 1-year follow-up after shortened CIMT (3h training/d for 2 wk) where the participants had been randomized to a mitt group or a nonmitt group. SETTING: A university hospital rehabilitation department. PARTICIPANTS: Poststroke patients (N=20, 15 men, 5 women; mean age 58.8 y; on average 14.8 mo poststroke) with mild to moderate impairments of hand function. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Sollerman hand function test, the modified Motor Assessment Scale, and the Motor Activity Log test. Assessments were made by blinded observers. RESULTS: One year after shortened CIMT, participants within both the mitt group and the nonmitt group showed statistically significant improvements in arm and hand motor performance and on self-reported motor ability compared with before and after treatment. No significant differences between the groups were found in any measure at any time. CONCLUSIONS: Shortened CIMT seems to be beneficial up to 1 year after training, but the restraint may not enhance upper motor function. To determine which components of CIMT are most effective, larger randomized studies are needed.