ABSTRACT
Objective
To evaluate the effects of Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Therapy on gait function and balance in chronic hemiparetic patients.
Methods
Randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. We recruited chronic post stroke patients and allocated them to Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Tharapy (LE-CIMT) or Control Group. The LE-CIMT group received this protocol 2.5 hour/day for 15 followed days, including: 1) intensive supervised training, 2) use of shaping as a strategy for motor training, and 3) application of a transfer package. The control group received conventional physiotherapy for 2.5 hours/day for 15 followed days. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after the interventions, and after 6 months, through 6-minute walk test and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test; 10-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go, 3-D gait analysis, and Lower Extremity – Motor Activity Log.
Results
LE-CIMT was superior on the Assistance and confidence subscale of Lower Extremity – Motor Activity Log, Mini-BESTest and 6-minute walk test. The effect size for all outcomes was small when comparing both groups. LE-CIMT showed clinically significant differences in daily activities, balance, and gait capacity, with no clinically significant difference for spatiotemporal parameters.
Conclusion
The LE-CIMT protocol had positive outcomes on balance, performance, and confidence perception.
Disclosure statement
Two authors of this study, Elaine Menezes-Oliveira and Gabriela da Silva Matuti, declare a conflict of interest as they are currently instructors on the formation course in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy here in Brazil.
Trial registration
http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br (Register Number: RBR-467cv6). ‘Effects of Lower Extremities – Constraint Induced Therapy on gait and balance function in chronic hemipretic post-stroke patients.’
List of Abbreviations
LE-CIMT | = | Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Tharapy |
6minWT | = | 6-minute walk test |
Mini-BESTest | = | Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test |
10mWT | = | 10-meter walk test |
TUG | = | Timed Up and Go |
3-DGA | = | 3-D gait analysis |
LE-MAL | = | Lower Extremity – Motor Activity Log |
GDI | = | Gait Deviation Index |
MDC | = | minimal detectable change |