Comparative effect of constraint-induced movement therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on upper limb function of chronic stroke survivors

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on upper limb function of chronic stroke survivors. Methods. Overall, 30 stroke survivors were recruited via convenient sampling and consecutively assigned into 2 groups (15 participants each). Group A received CIMT while group B received PNF techniques. All treatments were administered on the affected upper limb, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale was used to evaluate upper limb function. Descriptive statistics served to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants and inferential statistics of t-test was used to determine the effect of the interventions within the groups and between the groups on the basis of FMA. All statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 16.0) at the alpha level of 0.05. Results. The participants' mean age was 59.53 ± 9.92 and 63.00 ± 7.27 years for group A and B, respectively. No significant baseline difference was observed between the groups in the upper limb FMA (p > 0.05). A statistically significant post-intervention effect was noted for both treatment approaches; however, when the groups were compared, CIMT resulted in a better improvement than PNF. Conclusions. CIMT and PNF interventions are both beneficial in improving upper limb function, with CIMT being more advantageous. CIMT may be the preferred approach for the management of chronic upper limb post-stroke impairments.