Long-term follow-up after constraint-induced therapy: a case report of a chronic stroke survivor.

OBJECTIVE

Upper-extremity functional improvements after constraint-induced movement therapy have not been documented beyond 2 years. This case report describes the long-term maintenance of the effects of change 4-5 years after an application of constraint-induced therapy.

METHOD: A 36-year-old female poststroke patient participated in constraint-induced therapy for 2 weeks. She was evaluated before and after treatment and again 4 and 5 years later. Primary outcome measures included the Wolf Motor Function Test, Stroke Impact Scale, and Motor Activity Log.

RESULTS

Improvements were maintained in reported use and ability of the arm and hand, time to complete functional tasks, and physical aspects of health-related quality of life. Fatigue may have had a moderating effect on the extent of these changes.

CONCLUSION

Improved upper-extremity function continued over a 5-year period after constraint-induced therapy; however, poststroke fatigue remained an influential limiting factor.