Systematic Review
Year: 2022 | Month: July-September | Volume: 7 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 358-365
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20220748
Effectiveness of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in Comparison with Other Therapeutic Interventions in Treatment of Adult Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review
Dr. Palsule Shilpshree P.1, Dr. Gosar Shreya B.2, Dr. Dhonnar Trupti R.3, Dr. Pulekar Harshada K.4
1(M.Sc. {Occupational Therapy in Orthopedic Conditions}) (Assistant Professor, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital), Parel, Mumbai-400012, India
2(B.O.Th.) (BOTh Intern at OT School and Centre, Seth GSMC and KEMH), currently pursuing MOT (neurorehabilitation) at MCHP, MAHE, Manipal
3(B.O.Th.) (BOTh Intern at OT School and Centre, Seth GSMC and KEMH), currently Paediatric Occupational therapist at 8 senses paediatric Occupational Therapy clinic, Nashik
4(B.O.Th) (BOTh Intern at OT School and Centre, Seth GSMC and KEMH), currently pursuing fellowship in Occupational Therapy in Oncology at TMH
Corresponding Author: Dr. Shilpshree P. Palsule
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability. Among the various therapeutic modalities used for improving upper extremity function post stroke, Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is one of the most investigated interventions.
Objectives: To review the available literature to find evidence for CIMT intervention in overcoming upper extremity impairment in adult stroke patients.
Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases. Free full text articles from 2015 - April 2021 with interventional studies, comparing CIMT with other therapeutic interventions for stroke patients with unilateral upper limb involvement were reviewed
Results: Twenty-five articles were reviewed after applying the inclusion exclusion criteria. Sample size in case of interventional studies ranged from 19-159 participants. Fifteen studies (60%) concluded that CIMT is superior to conventional therapy in overcoming non-use of affected upper limb, two articles (8%) concluded CIMT brings about limited improvements functionally. 50% studies denied long term gains or improvements, one article (4%) specifically denying any effects lasting post 6 months, three studies (12%) reported better results when CIMT was used in combination with other therapies, one study (4%) has shown Botox and CIMT combination to be a promising treatment method for improving motor function.
Conclusion: We found CIMT a useful therapy in adult stroke patients with more studies showing a significant improvement in early phases of rehabilitation. Even if the articles have denied long-term gains or improvements beyond six months, none have shown deterioration in CIMT group
Keywords: Adult stroke, Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT), systematic review