Constraint-induced movement therapy in the rehabilitation of chronic hemiparetic patients in the Amazonia

Abstract

Introduction: The stroke is one of the incident diseases in the world, causing numerous changes to the functionality especially those related to upper limb functions. Objective: To evaluate the influence of modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) on functional recovery, range of motion (ROM) and muscle tone of chronic hemiparetic upper limb (UL). Methods: Seven subjects (52.75 ± 6.63 years old) were evaluated before, straightaway and one month after 12 sessions of mCIMT, by goniometry, modified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (mFMA) and modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Results: Functionality improved 74.7% after treatment and 79.5% one month after the end of treatment. There was improvement in passive motion (p = 0.01), in pain (p = 0.004) and UL motor function (p ≤ 0.001), increased range of flexion, extension, abduction and adduction of the shoulder and flexion and radial deviation of the wrist (p = 0.05) and muscle tone reduction (p < 0.05). Conclusion: mCIMT was effective for recovery of ROM in shoulder and wrist; recovery of the paretic UL functionality and spasticity reduction, and the results remained after the end of treatment.Key-words: stroke, physical therapy, rehabilitation, human movement, modified constraint-induced movement therapy.