Tel: (416)445-5125
Toll Free: 1(800)216-0488
Email: toronto@interactionrehab.com

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

Constraint induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an evidence based treatment for people with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury or multiple sclerosis.

CIMT is an intensive 2-week therapy program (10 sessions) to increase the use of the more affected limbs. Each therapy session lasts 3 hours with a CIMT trained therapist and follows the protocols as developed by Dr. Taub at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) and as taught by UAB’s Constraint Induced Therapy Training Course.

CIMT Upper Extremity Program Lower Extremity Program
Program Requirements Chronic phase of recovery
Certain active movements of the arm and hand are required Certain active leg movements and walking abilities are required
Eligibility is determined through a screening process
Medical clearance is required prior to starting the program. CIMT is intensive, with 3-hour sessions, 5 times per week over 2-weeks
Includes home practice activities outside of clinic sessions. Some fatigue and frustration may occur at the beginning of the program. Hard work and dedication are necessary due to program intensity
Program Components Repetitive task-oriented training
Adherence-enhancing behavioural strategies
Constraining limb use for the less affected hand.

A constraining mitt is worn on the stronger, less affected hand for 90% of waking hours to reinforce using the affected hand and arm

Forced limb use for the affected leg.

No constraining device is used. Forced use practice of specific activities reinforces more use with better movement patterns for the affected leg

Expected Outcomes More functional use

Increased muscle strength

Better coordination & fine motor skills

Improved abilities, with less effort, for daily activities like dressing, bathing or eating

Improved functional use

Increased muscle strength

Better coordination and movement patterns

Improved abilities and endurance for daily activities like standing, walking or climbing stairs

These are fee for service programs

 

Additional CIMT Background

CIMT is derived from behavioral neuroscience research and is based on the theory of learned non-use (for the affected arm), learned misuse (for the affected leg) and use-dependent cortical reorganization.

Learned non-use occurs when a person performs activities primarily with their better functioning arm. The affected or more affected arm and hand is not used even when some use is possible.

Learned misuse occurs when a person performs activities such as standing or walking at an early stage of recovery, using poor coordination patterns that are repeated and overlearned and become persistent.

During CIMT, concentrated practice with the more affected limb is associated with rewiring in the brain known as use-dependent cortical reorganization.

 

For more information on CIMT, please call our business office:

            Inter-Action Rehabilitation Inc.

            Phone: 416-445-5125

Toll Free: 1-800-216-0488


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