Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia Email:
NeuroRehabilitation. 2022;51(3):421-431. doi: 10.3233/NRE-220139.
Stroke often leads to lower extremity impairments that significantly hinders functional recovery.
To investigate the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy for the lower extremity (CIMT-LE) for improving balance and ambulation among people post-stroke.
A randomized controlled, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted. Participants were recruited and randomized into one of two groups: CIMT-LE group and control. Outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, Berg balance scale, ten-meter walk test and six-minute walk test. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, following the conclusion of the therapeutic programs and after three months.
38 participants were enrolled in the study (19 in each group). No significant differences were found between groups at baseline. At the conclusion of therapeutic programs, both groups showed significant changes compared to baseline. However, changes seen in the CIMT-LE were clinically significant. Further, at three months following the conclusion of the program, the recorded improvements were retained by participants.
A CIMT-LE program compared to an intensity-matched conventional program yielded significant clinical improvements among people post-stroke. These improvements were seen in lower extremity motor recovery, postural balance and gait speed. Furthermore, these improvements were retained three months following the conclusion of the therapeutic program.
中风常导致下肢功能受损，严重阻碍功能康复。
研究强制性运动疗法（CIMT-LE）对改善中风后患者平衡和步行能力的效果。
进行了一项随机对照、单盲临床试验。参与者被招募并随机分为两组：CIMT-LE 组和对照组。评估下肢运动功能的 Fugl-Meyer 评估、Berg 平衡量表、10 米步行测试和 6 分钟步行测试是主要结局指标。这些指标在基线时、治疗方案结束时和三个月后进行收集。
共有 38 名参与者被纳入研究（每组 19 名）。两组在基线时无显著差异。在治疗方案结束时，与基线相比，两组均有显著变化。然而，CIMT-LE 组的变化具有临床意义。此外，在治疗方案结束三个月后，参与者仍保持记录的改善。
与强度匹配的常规方案相比，CIMT-LE 方案可显著改善中风后患者的下肢运动恢复、姿势平衡和步行速度。这些改善在治疗方案结束三个月后仍能保持。
