Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of the modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for inpatient rehabilitation of the stroke patients. Method: Twenty-four patients admitted by subacute or chronic stroke were enrolled and divided into two groups, experimental and control groups. The experimental group (n=13) received the CIMT five days a week for 2 weeks. Less affected arm was restrained for 14 hours a day, practicing purposeful activities with more affected arm for 6 hours a day in group setting. The control group (n=11) received conventional occupational therapy for the same period. The outcome was measured by Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), Brunnstrom stage, Jebsen hand function test, grip strength, Box and Block test, nine hole peg test, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). Results: The experimental group showed significantly higher improvements (p＜0.05) in FMA, Brunnstorm stage, Jebsen hand function test, grip strength, Box and Block test, FIM, and MAL. Conclusion: Modified CIMT delivered in group setting is considered to be an effective treatment to improve functional use of the hemiparetic arm of stroke patients in inpatient setting. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2007; 31: 56-62)
