Effectiveness of modified constraint induced movement therapy in restoring the fine motor function of upper limb among middle cerebral artery post stroke patients – a pilot study

Objective A cerebrovascular accident happens when brain cells suddenly die due to insufficient blood flow. One common result of a stroke affecting the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is the loss of upper limb function, which can have a significant impact on everyday activities. Mirror therapy (MT) and modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) are stroke rehabilitation methods for upper limb function. Mirror therapy stimulates brain areas such as the premotor and motor cortex using visual cues. In contrast, mCIMT restricts the unaffected arm, encourages repeated task practice, and utilises behavioural techniques to boost neuroplasticity, aiding in recovery. Methods Twenty stroke survivors were assigned randomly to the mCIMT group (n = 10) or the MT group (n = 10). The mCIMT group received mCIMT, while the MT group underwent mirror therapy over ten weeks with four weekly sessions. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMAS) and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Results The study highlights a significant enhancement in hand function in the mCIMT group compared to the MT group after 10 weeks of therapy. Post-treatment evaluations using the WMFT and FMAS yielded p-values less than 0.001, indicating a notable difference between the groups. Conclusions Analyses within and between groups showed significant impacts, supporting mCIMT’s efficacy in enhancing fine motor skills among stroke patients with MCA involvement. These results stress the importance of personalised therapies such as mCIMT in post-stroke recovery, enhancing survivors’ standard of living and improving functional outcomes.