• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.65-72
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• 2011

Purpose: The intention of this study was to investigate the effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) with bilateral arm training (BAT) on the motor performance and daily activity performance of individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods: Sixteen subjects one year after stroke participated in this study with a control group; the pretest-posttest method was used. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: combination of bilateral arm training and modified constraint-induced movement therapy (n=8), and modified constraint-induced movement therapy (n=8). The mCIMT group received therapy for 90 minutes in 3 sessions per week over a period of 4 weeks. The patients receiving a combination of mCIMT and BAT were treated for the same period and frequency. The results were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Motor Activity Log-Amount of Use, and Quality of Movement (MAL-AOU, QOM) assessment tools. Results: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed that hand and wrist performance improved significantly more in the mCIMT group than in the Combination group (p<0.05). Result from the ARAT assessment showed greater scores for gross movement in the combined group than in the mCIMT group (p<0.05). The MAL-AOU showed that there was greater improvement in the combined group than in the mCIMT group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The forced use of the more affected side can be important for the enhancement of upper extremity performance for chronic hemiparetic stroke patients during their daily activities.