Abstract: Objective To study the feasibility, safety, tolerance and the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in early cerebral infarction, and the long-term outcome.Methods 2 weeks after cerebral infarction, 22 patients with upper extremity weakness were divided into treatment group (11 cases, accepted CIMT) and control group (11 cases, accepted routine rehabilitation). They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL) and Barthel Index (BI) before and 2 weeks, 3 months after treatment. Results The scores of FMA, WMFT, MAL and BI improved in both group (P<0.05), but more in the treatment group (P<0.05). 3 months after treatment, the score of MAL quality was no different between two group.Conclusion CIMT is safe and effective for early cerebral infarction, and more effective than routine immediately, but it is similar 3 months later.

Key words: constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), cerebral infarction, early rehabilitation, upper extremity, motor function