Effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Routine Exercise on Upper Extremity Functions among Post-Stroke Hemiparetic Patients

Shaliya Saleem, Tulika DB

Abstract: Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with upper extremity hemiparesis being a common and debilitating consequence. Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation strategy to improve upper limb function by counteracting learned non-use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of mCIMT versus routine exercise on upper extremity functions among post-stroke hemiparetic patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was employed at a selected tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra, India. A total of 60 post-stroke hemiparetic patients (aged 30-60 years, 1-9 months post-stroke, with specific wrist/finger extension) were randomly allocated into an intervention group (n=30) receiving mCIMT for 4 hours daily for 7 consecutive days, and a control group (n=30) receiving routine rehabilitation. Upper extremity function was assessed using the Motor Activity Log (MAL) and Modified Sollerman Hand Grip Function Scale at pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney test, ANOVA). Results: Both the intervention and control groups showed significant improvements in motor arm function (intervention: 56.97% change, p<0.0001; control: 30.43% change, p<0.0001) and hand grip function (intervention: 33.8% change, p<0.0001; control: 13.2% change, p<0.0001) from pre-test to post-test. The intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in both motor arm and hand grip functions compared to the control group, though the inter-group difference in post-test motor arm function (p=0.30) and hand grip function (p=0.063) was not statistically significant. Type of stroke (p=0.008) and side of hemiparesis (p=0.048) were significantly associated with post-test motor arm function, and pre-stroke exercise (p=0.021) was associated with pre-test hand grip function in the intervention group. Conclusion: Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy significantly improved upper extremity function in post-stroke hemiparetic patients, demonstrating a more pronounced effect than routine rehabilitation, especially for motor arm function. While both groups benefited from rehabilitation, mCIMT appears to offer additional gains. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted to confirm these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies.

Keywords: Stroke, Hemiparesis, Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT), Upper Extremity Function, Rehabilitation

How to Cite?: Shaliya Saleem, Tulika DB, "Effectiveness of Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Versus Routine Exercise on Upper Extremity Functions among Post-Stroke Hemiparetic Patients", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 544-553, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26208120218, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26208120218

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