EFFECTS OF MODIFIED CONSTRAINT-INDUCED MOVEMENT THERAPY UPPER AND LOWER LIMBS ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN STROKE PATIENTS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Stroke is prevalent and poses significant healthcare challenges, emphasizing the need for effective rehabilitation strategies. While Combined Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) has shown potential in improving both upper and lower limb functions, its overall impact on motor function, mobility, and quality of life remains inadequately explored.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of Combined mCIMT (CO), which targets both upper and lower limbs, compared to CIMT focusing solely on the lower limb (LL) or upper limb (UL), in enhancing motor function, mobility, and quality of life in stroke patients.

Materials and Methods: In a randomized trial conducted at the Physiotherapy Clinic, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, 46 stroke patients were assigned to one of three groups: Combined mCIMT (CO, n=16), Lower Limb mCIMT (LL, n=15), or Upper Limb mCIMT (UL, n=15). Each intervention was administered daily for 2 hours, 5 days a week, over 4 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Lower Limb Motor Activity Log, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and Stroke Impact Scale. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests.

Results: All groups exhibited significant improvements in motor function, lower limb use, balance, and quality of life (P > 0.05). Notably, the LL group showed significantly greater improvements compared to the CO and UL groups.

Conclusion: Modified LL CIMT was more effective in enhancing motor function, mobility, and quality of life in stroke patients than Combined or UL-specific mCIMT approaches.