Effects of modified‐constraint induced movement therapy based telerehabilitation on upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Modified‐Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (m‐CIMT) based telerehabilitation on upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients.MethodsEighteen stroke patients were included and randomly allocated into two groups. The Tele‐CIMT (modified‐constraint induced movement therapy‐based telerehabilitation) (n = 10) group received m‐CIMT based telerehabilitation for 90 min a day, 5 weekdays for 3 weeks at home. Additionally, both the Tele‐CIMT group and the control group (CG) (n = 8) underwent the home exercise program aimed at improving range of motion, active movement, balance, and walking every weekday for 3 weeks at home. The outcome measures were the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Scale (STREAM), Fugl‐Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Evaluation Scale (FM‐UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), 9‐Hole Peg Test (9‐HPT), grip strengths, pinch strengths, Motor Activity Log‐28 (MAL‐28), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM).ResultsSignificant group‐by‐time interactions on STREAM, FM‐UE, WMFT, grip strength, pinch strengths, MAL‐28, and FIM were found to be in favor of the Tele‐CIMT group. Additionally, post hoc analyses revealed that the Tele‐CIMT group significantly improved in terms of these parameters (p > .05).ConclusionThis is the first randomized controlled trial showing that Tele‐CIMT improved upper extremity motor functions and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Tele‐CIMT can help improve the upper extremities in stroke survivors who have difficulties reaching rehabilitation clinics.