The effect of constraint -induced movement therapy(CIMT) on quality of life, function and Range of motion of upper extremity of patients with stroke

Constraint-induce movement therapy is one of the treatment methods to treat those who have stroke disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on quality of life، function and range of motion of upper extremity of patients with stroke. This study was conducted in 15 patients in accordance to random clinical trial during the treatment operation، the patients were asked to restrict their upper extremity movement with orthopedics sling for 3 days per week and each day for 8 hours. They were asked to practice on affected upper extremity for 2 hours while their hands were restricted. Additionally، the present study was conducted for 6 weeks. The statistical analysis illustrated that quality of life was significantly changed which measured by SF36 test (p=0. 008). Furthermore، the upper extremity function which was assessed by Box & Black test was statistically analyzed by t-coupled; in this regard، it showed a significant change when the treatment ended up (p=0. 009). However، active range of motions in wrist extension and elbow extension did not significantly changed (p=0. 227). Based on the results، it can be implied that Constraint-induce movement therapy is an effective method for improvement of life quality and the upper extremity function. Three mechanisms are discussed: involvement of non used affected limbs، neural plasticity in CNS، and amelioration of mental and physical health of patients can be resulted in life quality and patients'' hand improvement.