A meta-analysis of constraint-induced movement therapy after stroke

Abstract

<p><i>Objective - </i>To evaluate the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy in adult stroke patients and to examine the impact of time since stroke and various treatment modalities. <p><i>Data sources - </i>PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and PEDro trial registers were searched for clinical trials published before November 2012. <p><i>Study selection - </i>Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of constraint-induced movement therapy lasting 2–7 h/day for 8–28 days were included. <p><i>Data extraction - </i>Measurements were classified into the following categories: arm motor function, arm motor activity, activities of daily living, and participation. A pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for each category. Moderators were: trial quality, behavioural techniques, amount of training, time since stroke, shaping, and the nature of the control group. <p><i>Data synthesis - </i>Of 3,842 records initially screened 23 trials were included. A small post-treatment effect was found on arm motor function (SMD 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11–0.44). Meanwhile, a moderate effect on arm motor activity was found post-treatment (SMD 0.51, 95% CI 0.30–0.73) and at 3–6 months follow-up (SMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.08–0.74). <p><i>Conclusion - </i>Constraint-induced movement therapy can improve arm motor function and improve arm motor activities and may have a lasting effect on arm motor activity.