Botulinum toxin a, evidence-based exercise therapy, and constraint-induced movement therapy for upper-limb hemiparesis attributable to stroke: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the combination of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) treatment for the upper limb and a 4-wk course of exercise therapy could improve motor function sufficiently to allow those with poststroke hemiparesis and spasticity to achieve the minimal motor criteria (MMC) to be enrolled in constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), and to determine the feasibility of enrolling participants into CIMT if they meet MMC after treatment with a combination of BTX-A plus exercise therapy. DESIGN: Twelve individuals received BTX-A and exercise therapy for 1 hr/day, three times per week, for 4 wks. Those who met MMC were enrolled in 2 wks of CIMT, and the rest received a home exercise program. Outcome measures included the Ashworth Scale, Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the Motor Activity Log (MAL), the Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and the upper-extremity subtest of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Function (FM-UE). RESULTS: Ashworth Scale scores declined from a mean score of 2.0-1.2 (P = 0.01). Four of 12 subjects were able to achieve MMC (P = 0.026). CIMT participants improved in the BBT, the MAL, and the WMFT compared with their own baseline. Gains achieved during CIMT receded by week 24 as spasticity returned. CONCLUSION: BTX-A plus exercise therapy shows potential to improve function for those with severe hand paresis and spasticity after stroke. Those who meet MMC may initially realize further modest gains through CIMT. However, gains are likely to recede as spasticity returns. Adding medications or modifying the therapy protocol to include activities such as functional neuromuscular stimulation or robotic training may yield a more potent effect.     

Case report: ICF-level changes in a preschooler after constraint-induced movement therapy

The authors examined changes associated with constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) provided to a preschool-aged child with right spastic hemiplegia. This case study design used a 2-week pretest measure baseline period, 2 weeks of CIMT, and postmeasures at 1 week and 3 months. Measures were chosen to document changes at the different levels of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) Self-Care Section, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, and grip and pinch strength. Results showed increases on COPM-identified goals of increased independence with bilateral hand play and participation in gross motor play with friends. Changes were also documented in self-care, arm function, and grip strength. Another unexpected association reported by parents and professionals was increased speech intelligibility. Potential implications of implementing CIMT with young children are presented.     

Effects of Task-oriented Approach on Affected Arm Function in Children with Spastic Hemiplegia Due to Cerebral Palsy

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of task-oriented approach on motor function of the affected arm in children with spastic hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy. [Subjects] Twelve children were recruited by convenience sampling from 2 local rehabilitation centers. The present study utilized a one-group pretest-posttest design. All of children received task-oriented training for 6 weeks (40 min/day, 5 days/week) and also underwent regular occupational therapy. Three clinical tests, Box and Block Test (BBT), Manual Ability Measure (MAM-16), and Wee Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) were performed 1 day before and after training to evaluate the effects of the training. [Results] Compared with the pretest scores, there was a significant increase in the BBT, MAM-16, and WeeFIM scores of the children after the 6-week practice period. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that a task-oriented approach to treatment of the affected arm improves functional activities, such as manual dexterity and fine motor performance, as well as basic daily activities of patients with spastic hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy.Key words: Cerebral palsy, Hemipleiga, Task-oriented approach     

Constraint-induced movement therapy after stroke: efficacy for patients with minimal upper-extremity motor ability

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on chronic moderate-to-severe upper-extremity motor impairment after stroke. DESIGN: Within-subjects design; pre- and posttesting as well as 1-month follow-up. SETTING: Outpatient clinic within a rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty participants, each greater than 12 months poststroke. INTERVENTION: Three weeks of CIMT including restraint of the nonparetic upper extremity and 6 hours of training a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (GWMFT), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant effect of treatment on upper-extremity motor impairment as assessed by the FMA, the MAL, and the functional ability scale of the GWMFT. There was a trend toward an effect of CIMT on mean speed of performance on the GWMFT. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences between motor impairment scores between pretreatment and posttreatment assessments, and improvements in motor impairment scores remained stable 1 month after completion of formal treatment. Improvements appeared to be mostly in the use of the involved upper extremity for bimanual activities. CONCLUSIONS: CIMT conferred significant changes in objective measures in subjects with chronic moderate-to-severe impairments after stroke. Additional studies of long-term benefits of this treatment on poststroke motor impairments and related functional disabilities are warranted.     

Distributed form of constraint-induced movement therapy improves functional outcome and quality of life after stroke

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a distributed version of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). DESIGN: Within-subjects control intervention study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven persons with chronic stroke. All had active extension of at least 20 degrees at the wrist and at least 10 degrees for each finger of the more-affected hand. INTERVENTIONS: Intensive motor training of the more-affected arm for 3 hours a day for 20 days; restraint of the other arm for 9.3 hours daily to limit its use. This intervention provides the same amount of training as provided in the conventional CIMT therapy protocol (60 h) but distributes training time over twice the number of days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Real-world (Motor Activity Log) and laboratory motor activity (Wolf Motor Function Test, Frenchay Arm Test, Nine Hole Peg Test), strength (grip force) and spasticity (Ashworth Scale), and quality of life (QOL; Stroke Impact Scale) were assessed. RESULTS: Participants showed significant improvements in more-affected arm real-world motor activity, laboratory motor activity, strength and spasticity, as well as in some aspects of QOL, up to 6 months after treatment ( P .05). CONCLUSIONS: Distributed CIMT is a promising intervention for improving motor function and QOL in patients with chronic stroke.     

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy for a 12-month-old child with hemiplegia: a case report

OBJECTIVE: This case report describes the use of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) to improve upper-limb function in a 12-month-old child with right hemiplegia. It also describes parent concerns about CIMT and documents the short- and long-term effects of modified CIMT. METHOD: The participant was assessed 5 times over a 7.5-month period using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2, Pediatric Motor Activity Log, Toddler Amount of Use Test, and Knox Parent Questionnaire. CIMT included a nonremovable cast worn on the unaffected arm and approximately 8 hr per week of occupational and physical therapy for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Benefits of improved upper-limb function measured immediately after CIMT were sustained at 6 months' follow-up. No adverse events related to cast use were reported. DISCUSSION: The findings from this case report suggest that CIMT was a safe intervention associated with improving upper-limb function for this young child with hemiplegia.     

Short-term effects of dynamic lycra splints on upper limb in hemiplegic patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess acceptability, effects on swelling, resting posture, spasticity, and active (AROM) and passive range of motion (PROM) of individually tailored upper limb Lycra garments, designed as dynamic splints to exert directional pull on certain limb segments, when worn for 3 hours by hemiplegic patients. DESIGN: Crossover trial. SETTING: Outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation center. PATIENTS: Convenience sample of 16 patients with hemiparesis and upper limb spasticity caused by a stroke more than 3 weeks before the study. INTERVENTIONS: Assessments performed at the start and end of a 3-hour period during a standard rehabilitation day when the patients were and were not wearing the garment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Comfort assessed by questionnaire; (2) circumference of each limb segment; (3) resting posture at elbow and wrist; (4) spasticity at shoulder, elbow, and wrist using the Tardieu scale; and (5) AROM and PROM at shoulder, elbow, and wrist measured using a goniometer; (6) elbow proprioception using McCloskey's method; (7) visual neglect syndrome using the line bisection test. Differences between changes occurring with and without the garment were compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank test for ordinal variables (spasticity grading) and Student's t test for continuous variables (all other data). RESULTS: During 3 hours, garments worn on the arm by patients with hemiplegia (1) were comfortable, (2) improved wrist posture and reduced wrist and finger flexor spasticity, (3) reduced swelling in patients with swollen limbs (digit circumference decreased by 4%; p<.01), (4) improved PROM at shoulder (mean increase in range, 4.1 degrees +/- 13.0 degrees per shoulder movement; p<.01); and (5) impaired ability to flex fingers (range of voluntary flexion of digit III reduced from 107.3 degrees +/-79.6 degrees to 91.4 degrees +/-74.1 degrees; p<.05). CONCLUSION: Lycra garments, designed to produce continuous stretch of spastic muscles when worn for several hours each day, have rapid splinting and antispastic effects on wrist and fingers in patients with hemiplegia. These garments may help severely affected patients with major spasticity or painful swollen limbs.     

Application of combined botulinum toxin type A and modified constraint-induced movement therapy for an individual with chronic upper-extremity spasticity after stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a promising intervention for retraining upper-extremity function after a stroke. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of a combination of botulinum toxin type A (BtxA) and a modified CIMT program for a patient with severe spasticity who was unable to use his right upper extremity. CASE DESCRIPTION: The 52-year-old patient, who had a stroke 4 years ago, did not meet the minimum motor criteria for CIMT benefit. After receiving BtxA injections targeting the elbow, wrist, and finger flexors, he completed a 4-week program of modified CIMT followed by a 5-month home exercise program. OUTCOMES: The patient exhibited improvement in muscle tone (the velocity-dependent resistance to stretch that muscle exhibits) and in scores on several upper-extremity function tests (Modified Ashworth Scale, Motor Activity Log, Wolf Motor Function Test, Action Research Arm Test, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery). He also reported making much progress in the functional use of the involved upper extremity. DISCUSSION: In a patient with severe flexor spasticity and nonuse of the dominant upper extremity after a stroke, a combined treatment of BtxA and modified CIMT may have resulted in improved upper-extremity use.     

对侧控制功能性电刺激镜像反馈治疗偏瘫手功能疗效观察

目的:探讨对侧控制功能性电刺激镜像反馈治疗对脑卒中偏瘫患者手功能疗效影响。方法:选取符合本研究标准的60例脑卒中偏瘫患者,随机分为A组、B组和C组,每组20例。在常规康复治疗的基础上,A组患者接受镜像治疗,B组患者接受对侧控制功能性电刺激治疗,C组患者接受对侧控制功能性电刺激镜像反馈治疗,3组治疗均每次20 min,每天1次,每周治疗5 d,连续治疗4周。于治疗前及治疗4周后,采用表面肌电图(sEMG)、Fugl-Meyer量表上肢运动功能测试部分(U-FMA)、组块测试(BBT)、腕关节主动活动角度(AROM)对患者手功能进行评定,并进行统计学分析。结果:治疗前,3组时域指标——平均肌电值(AEMG)、频域指标——中位频率值(MF)、U-FMA评分、BBT评分以及腕关节AROM比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗4周后,3组AEMG值、MF值、U-FMA评分、BBT评分以及腕关节AROM均比治疗前有明显提高(P<0.05);组间比较,C组AEMG值、MF值、BBT评分以及腕关节AROM分别为(73.17±29.12)μV、(95.67±26.54)Hz、(9.50±3.28)分、(41.75±17.19)°优于A组(57.33±18.47)μV、(77.62±31.10)Hz、(7.15±3.13)分、(26.75±14.53)°和B组(55.61±20.17)μV、(74.45±23.22)Hz、(6.50±3.78)分、(31.50±16.47)°,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);3组U-FMA评分分别为A组(25.85±8.38)分、B组(25.40±9.25)分、C组(27.20±9.21)分,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:对侧控制功能性电刺激镜像反馈治疗可改善脑卒中偏瘫患者的手功能,且优于单一的对侧控制功能性电刺激以及镜像治疗。     

Alcohol neurolysis of tibial nerve motor branches to the gastrocnemius muscle to treat ankle spasticity in patients with hemiplegic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of alcohol neurolysis of tibial nerve motor branches to the gastrocnemius muscle for the treatment of ankle plantarflexor spasticity in patients with hemiplegic stroke. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient clinics in the rehabilitation department of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients with hemiplegic stroke (mean age, 48y). INTERVENTIONS: Motor branch block (MBB) of the tibial nerve to the gastrocnemius muscle with 50% ethyl alcohol in cases of spastic ankle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The severity of spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of ankle plantarflexor, clonus score of the ankle, and the passive range of motion (PROM) of ankle dorsiflexion. RESULTS: The MAS score was reduced in 17 (77%) of 22 patients during the 6-month follow-up, and spasticity reappeared at the level of the pre-MBB state in 5 patients (23%). The mean values of all parameters were significantly improved. The changes of mean values from the pre-MBB to the 6-month post-MBB stage were as follows: MAS score, 3.3+/-0.7 versus 1.7+/-1.1; clonus score, 1.6+/-0.7 versus 0.4+/-0.8; and PROM, 17.1 degrees +/-13.0 degrees versus 28.6 degrees +/-4.7 degrees. No serious complications were observed during the 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: MBB of the tibial nerve to the gastrocnemius muscle is an effective and safe procedure for relieving localized spasticity of the ankle plantarflexors.     

强制性使用运动疗法塑形技术对恢复期脑卒中上肢运动功能的康复作用

摘要 目的：探讨强制性使用运动疗法塑形技术对恢复期脑卒中偏瘫上肢运动功能的影响。 方法：恢复期脑卒中上肢运动功能障碍患者30例,随机分为3组：强制性使用运动疗法组（CIMT组）10例,塑形组10例,作业疗法组（OT组）10例。CIMT组采用塑形技术+行为技术+限制技术;塑形组采用塑形技术+限制技术;OT组采用作业疗法+限制技术。所有组连续康复治疗3h/d,5d/周,共2周。采用运动功能活动指数（MAL）评定患侧上肢在日常生活中的使用能力;采用Wolf运动功能评定法（WMFT）评定患侧上肢运动功能。所有组治疗前、治疗后1天、治疗后6个月及12个月进行MAL评定,治疗前后分别进行WMFT评定。 结果：与治疗前比较,所有组治疗后1d MAL指数提高明显（P＜0.01）;CIMT组治疗后6个月和12个月MAL指数提高明显（P＜0.01）,塑形组和OT组则无明显提高（P＞0.05）。治疗后组间MAL比较,CIMT组MAL指数提高最明显,与塑形组和OT组比较有显著性差异（P＜0.01）;而塑形组与OT组组间MAL比较无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。所有组治疗前后WMFT指数无明显变化（P＞0.05）。 结论：单纯塑形技术和强化作业疗法对运动功能具有同样的康复疗效;CIMT通过塑形技术和行为技术协同应用,显著提高康复疗效,并使康复疗效继续维持到治疗后1年;康复治疗中应重视行为因素的康复作用。     

Modified constraint-induced therapy in subacute stroke: a case report

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a modified constraint-induced therapy (CIT) protocol administered to a patient with subacute stroke. DESIGN: Multiple-baseline, before-after trial. SETTING: Subacute outpatient clinic. PATIENT: A 68-year-old woman who had a left anterior cerebral artery infarct 5 months before study entry and who exhibited learned nonuse of the affected upper limb. INTERVENTION: Thirty minutes of structured physical therapy and 30 minutes of occupational therapy 3 times a week for 10 weeks, each session emphasizing affected arm use. During the same period, her unaffected arm and hand were restrained 5d/wk during 5 hours initially identified as a time of frequent use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). RESULTS: The patient exhibited substantial improvements on the FMA and ARA. She also improved on the WMFT in her ability to perform tasks and in the time taken to complete the tasks. Amount and quality of arm use also improved, as measured by the MAL. CONCLUSIONS: Modified CIT may be an efficacious method of improving function and use of the affected arms of patients with learned nonuse.     

运动反馈训练对偏瘫患者上肢运动功能和日常生活活动能力的疗效

目的 探讨了Armeo Spring上肢运动反馈训练对偏瘫患者上肢运动功能和日常生活活动能力的疗效。 方法 52例偏瘫患者随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,各26例。对照组进行常规康复训练的基础上增加每日1次作业疗法训练,观察组在常规康复训练的基础上增加每日1次Armeo Spring上肢运动反馈的作业疗法训练,2组治疗时间均为5个月,治疗前和治疗后分别对2组患者上肢和手的主动关节活动度测量（AROM）、改良Barthel 指数(Modify Barthel Index,MBI)、Fugl-Meyer 评定量表(Fugl-Meyer motor assessment scale,FMA）和简易上肢机能检查（Simple Test for Evaluating hand Function,STEF）进行评价。 结果 治疗前2组患者MBI、FMA和WMFT比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;治疗后2组患者MBI、FMA和WMFT较治疗前比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,观察组MBI、FMA和WMFT较对照组差异均有显著统计学意义（P<0.05）,且观察组各项指标改善均优于对照组。 结论 通过上肢运动反馈训练联合常规康复可明显改善偏瘫患者上肢运动功能和日常生活活动能力。     

A型肉毒毒素注射配合康复功能训练对痉挛型偏瘫脑瘫患儿上肢运动功能疗效观察

目的观察A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)注射治疗配合康复功能训练对痉挛型偏瘫脑瘫患儿上肢功能障碍的疗效。方法60例痉挛型偏瘫型脑瘫患儿均接受BTX-A注射治疗,治疗后进行强制性诱导运动训练、物理疗法、肌电生物反馈治疗、作业治疗及家庭训练。在治疗前与治疗3 个月后,分别用改良Ashworth 痉挛量表(MAS)评定患侧上肢肌张力、关节量角器法测量患侧腕关节主动背伸角度、Peabody 运动发育量表(PDMS-II)进行患侧手精细运动商(FMQ)的评估、日常生活活动能力(ADL)量表评估ADL 能力以比较观察疗效。结果治疗后患儿上述指标均较治疗前显著改善(P<0.001)。结论BTX-A注射治疗配合康复功能训练能明显降低痉挛型偏瘫型脑瘫患儿的上肢肌张力,改善关节活动范围,明显提高上肢运动功能。     

Associated reaction and spasticity among patients with stroke

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate the relationship between associated reaction (AR) and clinical spasticity in the paretic arm. DESIGN: The participants were ten patients with hemiparetic stroke, mean age of 65.2 yrs, and duration of stroke of 13.3 mos. The AR of the hemiparetic arm was analyzed with surface EMG, and AR ratio was calculated on the basis of comparison of the surface amplitude of the affected side to that of the nonaffected side. Simultaneously, we measured M-, H-, and T-wave amplitudes and calculated H/M and T/M in the paretic arm. The AR ratio, H/M, and T/M were compared with spasticity as assessed with the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). We repeated the same measurements after median nerve block to examine its effects on the parameters. RESULTS: The AR ratio correlated significantly with MAS (P < 0.01), whereas H/M and T/M did not. Median nerve block did not alter these relationships. CONCLUSION: AR, which could be elicited easily in patients with spastic hemiparesis, correlated strongly with spasticity, both before and after the median nerve block. However, the so-called monosynaptic reflex (H- and T reflexes) did not correlate significantly with spasticity. These results indicate that AR and spasticity partially share common pathways.     

智能牵伸改善脑卒中偏瘫患者踝关节痉挛及步行功能的应用研究

目的：探讨机器人辅助智能牵伸技术在改善脑卒中患者踝关节痉挛及步行功能方面的疗效。方法：将脑卒中患者40例,随机分为智能牵伸组和对照组各20例。在常规康复训练基础上,智能牵伸组进行智能被动牵伸和主动训练,对照组接受徒手牵伸和抗阻训练,训练均为30min/d,5d/周,共6周。治疗前后评估：踝关节主动和被动背伸及跖屈角度、改良Ashworth量表（MAS）、起立-行走计时试验（TUGT）、6min步行距离测试（6MWT）、改良Barthel指数（MBI）。结果：治疗6周后,2组主动和被动跖屈角度、被动背伸角度、6MWT均较治疗前增加（P＜0.05）,智能牵伸组主动背伸、跖屈角度、MAS、TUGT、6MWT改善程度优于对照组（P＜0.05）。结论：机器人辅助智能牵伸技术能改善脑卒中患者踝关节痉挛及步行功能,优于常规牵伸治疗。     

Improving hand function in stroke survivors: a pilot study of contralaterally controlled functional electric stimulation in chronic hemiplegia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a new stroke rehabilitation therapy for the hemiparetic hand. DESIGN: Case series. Pre- and postintervention assessment with 1- and 3-month follow-ups. SETTING: Clinical research laboratory of a large public hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Three subjects with chronic (>6mo postcerebrovascular accident) upper-extremity hemiplegia. INTERVENTION: Subjects used an electric stimulator to cause the paretic hand extensor muscles to contract and thereby open the hand. Subjects controlled the intensity of the stimulation, and thus the degree of hand opening, by volitionally opening the unimpaired contralateral hand, which was detected by an instrumented glove. For 6 weeks, subjects used the stimulator to perform active repetitive hand-opening exercises 2 hours daily at home and functional tasks 1.5 hours twice a week in the laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximum voluntary finger extension, maximum voluntary isometric finger-extension moment, finger-movement control, and box and block test (BBT) score at pre- and posttreatment and at 1 month and 3 months posttreatment. RESULTS: Maximum voluntary finger extension increased from baseline to end of treatment and from the end of treatment to 1-month follow-up in 2 subjects. Maximum voluntary isometric finger-extension moment, finger-movement control, and BBT score increased from baseline to the end of treatment and from the end of treatment to 1-month follow-up in all 3 subjects. The improvements generally declined at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a positive effect on motor impairment, meriting further investigation of the intervention.     

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Function in Patients with Stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the upper limb of function of patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. [Subjects] Twenty subjects were randomly allocated to either the upper tDCS group or the functional training group, with 10 subjects in each group. [Methods] The two groups received functional training for thirty minutes a day, five days a week for four weeks. The tDCS group additionally received tDCS for 20 minutes. The outcome was assessed by the Box and Block test (BBT), grip strength, and the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA). [Results] There were significant improvements between pre- and post- intervention in both groups, in the BBT, grip strength, and the upper limb and lower lims sub-items of the FMA. The tDCS group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in the BBT, and upper limb and lower limb sub-items of the FMA. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that tDCS may be more beneficial than functional training for improving the upper and lower limb functions of chronic stroke patients.Key words: Stroke, tDCS, Limb function     

Modified constraint-induced therapy in chronic stroke: results of a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of a reimbursable, outpatient, modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) protocol (half-hour therapy sessions occurring 3 days per week in which subjects used the more affected arm combined with less affected arm restriction 5 days per week for 5 hours; both of these regimens were administered during a 10-week period) with that of a time-matched exercise program for the more affected arm or a no-treatment control regimen. SUBJECTS: Thirty-five subjects with chronic stroke participated in the study. METHODS: The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery After Stroke (FM), and Motor Activity Log (MAL) were administered to the subjects. RESULTS: After intervention, significant differences were observed on the ARAT and MAL Amount of Use and Quality of Movement scales, all in favor of the mCIT group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The data affirm previous findings suggesting that this reimbursable, outpatient protocol increases more affected arm use and function. Magnitude of changes was consistent with those reported in more intense protocols, such as constraint-induced therapy.