Abstract
Introduction: Common consequences of stroke include decreased upper extremity function and spatial inattention, both of which cause difficulties in occupational performance in activities of daily living. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an intervention that has been utilized to improve these consequences of stroke.
Methods: This single case study describes the design and results of a two-week modified CIMT (mCIMT) program that used an enhanced visual and auditory feedback system, the Flint Rehab FitMi device, to address both upper extremity function and left spatial inattention in one participant. Left spatial awareness was encouraged during mCIMT activities by striking targeted pucks placed in the left field and using music and a visual counter for each repetition.
Results: The study participant had improvements on all motor and spatial awareness assessments. He demonstrated greater than minimal detectable change on the Box and Blocks test and the Amount of Use item on the Motor Activity Log (MAL), and greater than minimally clinically important difference on the Action Research Arm Test and Line Bisection Test. Left spatial attention improved with substantial gains shown on both the Line Bisection Test and the Catherine Bergego Scale. The participant did not show significant changes on the Quality of Movement item on the MAL nor on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).
Conclusion: This case study describes a novel mCIMT program that simultaneously addressed hemiparesis and spatial inattention. Results demonstrate that the combination of mCIMT with the Flint Rehb FitMi device show promise in improving hemiparesis and spatial inattention, and possibly in improving ease of mCIMT administration. This study’s findings cannot be generalized to all individuals with stroke due to the case study design and lack of control group.
Recommended Citation
Blanchard, M., Franc, I. A., Nisby, P., Arceneaux, M., Chapiesky, K., Ducros, G., & Brannon, A. (2025). An Innovative Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) Program Design and Case Study to Address Upper Extremity Use and Spatial Inattention. Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration, 5(2). Retrieved from https://repository.ulm.edu/ojihp/vol5/iss2/6
Included in
Kinesiotherapy Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons, Physical Therapy Commons, Physiotherapy Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons
