An Effect of Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Versus Bobath Therapy on Upper Extremity Motor Control and Performance in Subjects with Chronic Stroke

Improving upper extremity function is often a core element of rehabilitation after stroke in order to maximize patient functional independence and reduce disability. The modified constraint induced movement therapy and Bobath therapy both are used to improve functions of paretic upper limb in subjects with chronic stroke. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) with Bobath therapy in subjects with upper extremity dysfunction after stroke. Total 26 subjects with chronic stroke were randomly divided into two groups:1 mCIMT (n=13) and 2 Bobath (n=13). Interventional protocol for 1 hour/day for 5 days/week for total 6 weeks duration for affected side upper extremity. In mCIMT group Unaffected upper extremity was restrained by hand glove for total 30% of waking hours/day for total 6 weeks duration. Both the group was received same conventional protocol for total 6-week duration. FMA-UE was used to assess upper extremity functions, WMFT was used to measure upper extremity motor performance and MAL-30 was used to assess upper extremity motor activity. The intra group comparison was done using Paired t-test which suggest highly significant improvements in both the groups. Results of independent t test suggest significant improvement in both the groups but more significant in group 1. The present study concludes that mCIMT and BobathTherapy both are effective treatment strategies but mCIMT is more beneficial in improving upper extremity functions, motor control and performance in chronic stroke subjects.