Constraint-induced movement therapy for upper limb recovery in adult neurorehabilitation: An international survey of current knowledge and experience.

Abstract

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an effective intervention for upper limb recovery following stroke and traumatic brain injury. Despite strong evidence, the use of CIMT in practice is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate clinician knowledge and experience of delivering CIMT protocols internationally in neurorehabilitation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online. The survey was distributed through occupational therapy and physiotherapy associations, neurological interest groups and list serves in 11 countries. Passive snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Complete surveys were returned by 169 respondents (64.5% occupational therapists; 34.3% physiotherapists; 1.2% other). Most respondents were from the United Kingdom (36.1%), Australia (28.4%) and Denmark (7.7%). Most participants delivered CIMT to individuals (79.3%) rather than in groups. A modified version of CIMT was used most often (74.6%), with one hour sessions per day (30.2%), provided to stroke survivors (96.4%) and people with traumatic brain injury (37.3%). Most respondents (88.8%) used intensive graded practice as a component of a CIMT program, but only 43.2% reported using a mitt restraint for most waking hours, and only 38.5% used a transfer package. These findings suggest that CIMT is being used globally but not always with fidelity to the original trials. A range of strategies are needed for improving clinicians' knowledge and skills to increase the frequency of program delivery and enhance program delivery with fidelity.