EFFICACY OF CONSTRAINT-INDUCED MOVEMENT THERAPY IN IMPROVING THE LOWER LIMB FUNCTIONS OF CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: A stroke can profoundly affect the functionality of the lower limbs. It can significantly impact an individual’s walking ability and balance maintenance. This is often due to a stroke disrupting the brain’s control over muscle movements. No existing studies have concentrated on using CIMT to enhance lower limb functions. However, CIMT has demonstrated success in improving the lower limb functions of chronic stroke patients. Aim: The research objective is to analyze the effect of CIMT on enhancing the lower limb functions of chronic stroke patients. Methods: A comprehensive research on Pubmed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases by employing keywords stroke, interventions used in stroke, lower limb functions, and physiotherapy evidence-based database was utilized for quality assessment. Results: This review incorporated 13 studies, proving that constraint-induced movement therapy can enhance lower limb functions in patients suffering from chronic stroke. Conclusion: This review’s findings offer ample proof that constraint-induced movement therapy can enhance the functionality of lower limbs in patients recovering from a chronic stroke. KEYWORDS: constraint-induced movement therapy, stroke, evidence-based practice, lower limb functions, evidence-based physiotherapy.