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Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) with Motor Relearning Program (MRP) and Bobath Approach to Augment Functional Motor Recovery of Chronic Hemiparetic Arm

Comparative Effects of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) with Motor Relearning Program (MRP) and Bobath Approach to Augment Functional Motor Recovery of Chronic Hemiparetic Arm

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06806553
Acronym
CIMT-MRP
Enrollment
64
Registered
2025-02-04
Start date
2024-01-26
Completion date
2024-12-21
Last updated
2025-02-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Stroke, Hemiparesis, Hemiparesis After Stroke, Motor Function, Upper Limb Function

Keywords

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), Motor Relearning Program (MRP), Bobath Therapy, Stroke Rehabilitation, Upper Limb Hemiparesis, Motor Function Recovery

Brief summary

Hemiparesis is a condition characterized by weakness or the inability to move on one side of the body, making it difficult to perform everyday activities like eating or dressing (Iswatun et al., 2022). It is a common after-effect of stroke that causes weakness on one side of the body, limiting movement and affecting all basic activities such as dressing, eating, and walking. Hemiparesis can also be a sign of a stroke, and the side of the body weakened by hemiparesis could be ipsilateral (the same side as the brain injury) or contralateral (the opposite side of the brain injury) (Obman, 2020). The symptoms of hemiparesis include: Weakness, Difficulty walking, Loss of balance, Muscle fatigue, Difficulty with coordination, Inability to grasp objects. Additionally, a person with hemiparesis may experience trouble maintaining balance, standing, or walking, as well as a tingling or numbing sensation on the weak side (Brandstaedter & Lindenbaum, 2023). Difficulty grabbing things, moving with precision, and lack of coordination can also be present. Hemiparesis is a one-sided muscle weakness that can affect all or most of the anatomical segments on one side of the body (Dantes et al., 2020). Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (MCIMT) with combination of Motor Relearning Program (MRP) has significant effects on stroke rehabilitation. CIMT is considered to achieve its beneficial effects through mechanisms such as overcoming learned nonuse and use-dependent neural plasticity. However, in case of Bobath there in no such evidence. Therefore more studies are needed to evaluate the effects of CIMT with MRP and Bobath only in both acute and chronic post-stroke populations. Therefore, the aim of this research is to focus on rehabilitation of hemiparetic arm. This present study compared the effects of CIMT with MRP versus Bobath to Augment Functional Motor Recovery of Chronic Hemiparetic Arm.

Detailed description

To determine the comparative effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with motor relearning program (MRP) and Bobath therapy to augment functional motor recovery of chronic hemiparetic arm. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial Study Setting: The data was collected from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical Complex , Lahore. Study Duration: 9 months after the approval of synopsis. Sampling technique: It was purposive sampling technique. Sample size: The sample size was 56 (28 in each group ) in each group calculated through software Group A (CIMT +MRP) Group B (Bobath) Screening: Patients were screened to meet inclusion criteria. The consent form was taken from patients then patients will be randomly allocated into two groups ( 28 in each group). Randomization: Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into experimental and control groups using the computer software. Blinding: The study was single-blinded. The assessor was unaware of the treatment given to both groups. Assessment: Data was collected at baseline, third and then at the end of the six week. Baseline assessments was conducted before the intervention. Post-intervention assessments were conducted immediately after the intervention. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, normality test and analysis of variance to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Treatment Plan: Both CIMT with MRP and Bobath both groups received 6 weeks of therapy, 5 days per week, for 3 hours/day per session. Each session was divided into phases: warm-up, active intervention, cool-down.Therapists monitored participant progress and adjust difficulty levels as needed. Home exercise programs was provided for daily practice. Ethical Considerations: This study has received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data Analysis: Statistical software was used to analyze the data, with appropriate tests employed based on data normality to compare outcomes between groups.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALConstraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) With Motor Relearning Program (MRP)

Intensive training sessions of 3 hours/day for 6 weeks, focusing on functional tasks with the paretic arm while constraining the unaffected arm using a mitt or sling. Implement a constraint on the non-paretic arm to encourage increased use of the affected arm in daily activities. Use shaping techniques to gradually increase the complexity and difficulty of tasks performed with the affected arm (Rahman, 2016). MRP: Standard physiotherapy sessions of 1 hour/day for 6 weeks, including exercises for both affected and unaffected arm. Focus on improving strength, range of motion, and coordination through repetitive task practice, neuromuscular re-education and compensatory strategies (Brkić, 2016; Ghrouz et al., 2023).

BEHAVIORALBobath Therapy

The first step in the Bobath approach is a thorough assessment of the individual's movement patterns, muscle tone, strength, coordination, and functional abilities. This assessment helps in identifying specific impairments and setting goals for treatment. Bobath therapists use specific handling techniques to facilitate normal movement patterns and inhibit abnormal muscle tone. These hands-on techniques aim to promote efficient movement and improve motor control. The Bobath approach emphasizes task-oriented training, where functional activities relevant to the individual's daily life are incorporated into therapy sessions. This helps in improving motor skills in a context that is meaningful to the individual (Grozdek Čovčić et al., 2022; Kuciel et al., 2021).

Sponsors

University of Lahore
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Single-blinded assessor was considered to minimize bias in outcome measurements. The assessor was unaware of the intervention group assignment for each participant.

Intervention model description

For a study comparing the effects of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) combined with Motor Relearning Program (MRP) and Bobath therapy on functional motor recovery in patients with chronic hemiparesis.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Diagnosed with chronic hemiparesis at least 6 months prior to study enrollment (Lang et al., 2016). * Chronic hemiparesis affecting one arm only (Lang et al., 2016). * Age between 50 and 65 years old (Lang et al., 2016). * Patients experiencing functional limitations in upper limb motor function (Gracies et al., 2019). * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24 (Page et al., 2007). * Patients with mild to moderate spasticity (Jan et al., 2019). * Able to tolerate and participate actively in the assigned intervention (Gracies et al., 2019)

Exclusion criteria

* Recent acute medical/surgical condition unrelated to stroke (Lang et al., 2016). * Severe cognitive impairment or communication difficulties (Lang et al., 2016) * Uncontrolled pain or spasticity in the affected arm (Lang et al., 2016). * History of shoulder instability or major orthopedic surgery in the affected arm (Gracies et al., 2019).

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)Baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks).The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a widely used clinical tool designed to evaluate motor impairment, balance, sensation, and joint functioning in individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia. It consists of various items that assess motor function in the upper and lower extremities, providing a comprehensive measure of motor recovery post-stroke.
Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)Baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks).The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is a 6-point scale used to assess spasticity in patients with lesions to the central nervous system. Scores on the MAS range from 0 to 4, where lower scores represent normal muscle tone and higher scores indicate increased spasticity. The MAS assigns a grade of spasticity based on resistance encountered during passive movement, with a grade of 0 indicating no increase in muscle tone and a grade of 4 representing limb rigidity in flexion or extension.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
PainBaseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks).The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a widely utilized tool for assessing pain intensity in adults. It operates on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. Higher scores on this scale signify greater pain intensity, making it a straightforward method for patients to communicate their pain levels to healthcare providers.

Countries

Pakistan

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026