Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 2

Comparison of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Neuromuscular Electrical Simulation on Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Stroke

  • Author:
  • Aashrai SV Gudlavalleti1, Vishal Taimni2, Ashu Bhasin3, M V Padma Srivastava4,
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • Page Number: 182 to 187

1Research Associate, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India

2Research Assistant, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India

3Assistant Professor (DST-INSPIRE Faculty fellowship), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India

4Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India

*Corresponding author: M.V. Padma, Mailing Address- Room no. 708, Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India

Online published on 6 April, 2015.

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of functional impairment. A wide range of therapeutic techniques for post stroke rehabilitation exist, however methodology, cost and modes of action vary and no evidence based guidelines exist for their use. A direct comparison of these techniques would help in the development of the same. In this study, we compare the disability outcomes of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in chronic stroke.

It was a prospective non-randomized clinical trial. One hundred twenty six patients who met the inclusion criteria were alternatively assigned to either the CIMT group (n=63) or the NMES group (n=63). Both therapies were given for 8 weeks duration. Patients were assessed using Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index(BI), Fugl-Meyer Scale(FMA) and Motor Assessment Scale at baseline and at two and four month of treatment.

Both CIMT and NMES groups showed significant improvement from baseline (p<0.001). The CIMT group showed catch up improvement in BI (p<0.001) and FMA scales (p<0.001) at the two month follow up visit. At the four month follow up visit, there was no significant difference in scores between the groups across all scales.

CIMT and NMES are effective techniques for post stroke rehabilitation. Although CIMT may show a greater improvement in initial stages, there is no difference in clinical outcomes at a later stage.

Keywords

Stroke, Rehabilitation, Constraint Induced Movement Therapy, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation