The effectiveness of the combination of constraint-induced movement therapy and occupational therapy interventions in adult individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled study

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of combining Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) with occupational therapy interventions in adult individuals diagnosed with stroke.The randomized controlled and comparative study included a total of 32 individuals aged between 18 and 65 years who were diagnosed with chronic stroke.Participants were divided into two groups: the Experimental Invtervention Group (EIG; n=16) and the CIMT Group (n=16).While both occupational therapy interventions and CIMT were applied to the EIG, only CIMT was applied to the CIMT Group. Interventions were carried out based on meaningful activities identified by the participants using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM);sensory rehabilitation, fine motor skill training, use of adaptive devices, and activities of daily living were supported.Participants in the CIMT Group received a non–goal-oriented, exercise-based rehabilitation program.Data collection instruments included the Modified Ashworth Scale, Eggers Cycles, Brunnstrom Stages, Functional Independence Measure, Duruöz Hand Index, Mini-Mental State Examination, and COPM.Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 software, and the level of significance was set at p<0.05.The findings showed that the EIG achieved greater improvements than the CIMT Group in upper extremity functions, participation in activities of daily living, and satisfaction levels. Significant improvements were observed in Functional Independence Measure scores (p=0.004), meaningful improvements in Duruöz Hand Index results (p=0.018), and significant increases in COPM performance (p=0.001) and satisfaction scores (p=0.002).In conclusion, combining CIMT with occupational therapy interventions produces a stronger effect in post-stroke rehabilitation processes and contributes to individuals' functional independence and quality of life.These findings highlight the complementary role of occupational therapy in stroke rehabilitation and provide guidance for clinical practice.