Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on spasticity in patients with hemiparesis after stroke.

BACKGROUND: We sought to examine the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on spasticity in patients with hemiparesis after stroke in 10 patients with chronic hemiparesis in their upper extremities.

METHODS: Patients underwent a modified version of constraint-induced movement therapy (5 hours daily for 10 weekdays over 2 consecutive weeks). Motor function was assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Wolf Motor Function Test, and the Motor Activity Log. Spasticity was assessed by the modified Ashworth scale and electromyography (F frequency, mean F/M ratio). These assessments were obtained immediately before and after the 2-week intervention. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed on these data (P < .05).

RESULTS: Constraint-induced movement therapy significantly improved hand and arm function as indicated by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Wolf Motor Function Test, and the Motor Activity Log scores. Constraint-induced movement therapy also reduced spasticity as assessed by the modified Ashworth scale, F frequency, and mean F/M ratio.

CONCLUSIONS: Comparable to motor function, constraint-induced movement therapy effectively reduces spasticity as confirmed by electromyography.