Modified constraint-induced movement therapy early after stroke: Participants’ experiences

Objective. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a rehabilitation approach developed to improve hand and arm function after a stroke. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into patients’ experiences with CIMT and to investigate how their function and daily life were influenced during and after the treatment period. Methods. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with three men, aged 60 70 years, in the subacute post-stroke stage, recently discharged from modified CIMT. Results. The participants were satisfied with the CIMT in terms of improvement in physical function in the affected arm but, when interviewed, they reported excessive muscle activity and lack of precision during fine motor activities. The outcome measures employed did not capture aspects of the patients’ function which the patients, when asked, still experienced and regarded as vital. Because of the scope and form of outcome measures the patients thus did not report about pain, muscle tension or tiredness while in treatment. Conclusion. The patients reported improvement only within the preset terms given by the CIMT framework and the outcome measures. When urged to, they shared their own experiences of functionality, movement and pain.