Potential predictors of motor and functional outcomes after distributed constraint-induced therapy for patients with stroke

Abstract

Background. Selection of patients who are most and least likely to benefit from constraint-induced therapy (CIT) for the upper extremity is uncertain. Objective. This study investigated demographic and clinical characteristics that may predict outcomes for a distributed form of CIT. Methods. A group of 57 patients were treated with distributed CIT, and 7 potential predictors were identified, including age, sex, side of stroke, time since stroke, spasticity, neurologic status, and movement performance of the distal part of the upper extremity. Treatment outcome was assessed in terms of motor performance, perceived functional ability of the affected hand, and functional performance of daily activities, measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), respectively. Results. Motor ability of the distal part of the upper extremity and time since stroke were significantly predictive of outcomes on the FMA (adjusted R 2 = 0.18, P =.002) and the MAL subtest quality of movement (adjusted R 2 = 0.43, P