Wei TH, Lee CY, Liu JS
The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in motor control characteristics of the hemiparetic hand during the performance of a functional reach-to-grasp task and functional performance of daily activities in patients with stroke treated with modified constraint-induced movement therapy. Thirty-two chronic stroke patients (21 men, 11 women) after onset of a first-ever cerebrovascular accident took part. They were randomized to receive modified constraint-induced movement therapy (restraint of the unaffected limb combined with intensive training of the affected limb) or traditional rehabilitation for three weeks. Kinematic analysis was used to assess motor control characteristics as patients reached to grasp a drinks can. The authors concluded that modified constraint-induced movement therapy improved motor control strategy during goal-directed reaching, thereby enhancing functional use of the affected limb.
Clinical Rehabilitation, 2007, 21 (12), 1075-1086