Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy(CIMT) on improving the flexibilty of upper extremities and the ability of daily living(ADL) of patients with hemiplegia.Methods36 patients with hemiparesis were randomized to two groups: CIMT and traditional rehabilitation(TR).In CIMT group,18 patients received intensive shaping training of 5 h/d,lasting 3 weeks, with the constraint of unaffected arms.In TR group,patients received traditional rehabilitation in the same times,without the constraint of unaffected arms. They were evaluated with Action Research Arm(ARA) Test and Barthel Index(BI) before intervention,immediate after intervention,4 and 12 weeks after intervention respectively.Patients in CIMT group were also evaluated with ARA tests 2 and 3 weeks after training.ResultsSignificant difference was found between CIMT and TR group on the improvement of ARA test(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between 2 and 3 weeks after training in CIMT group.Significant difference in BI was also found in CIMT group(P<0.01),but has not been found between CIMT and TR group.ConclusionCIMT significantly improved the flexibilty of upper extremities and ADL of patients with hemiplegia,which is superior to the traditional rehabilitation.

Key words: constraint-induced movement therapy(CIMT), rehabilitation, cerebral injury, hemiplegia, Action Research Arm(ARA) Test