Effects of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy on Hand and Arm Functions in Patients of Parkinson's Disease

One of the central nervous system's most frequent diseases is Parkinson's disease (PD). In individuals with PD upper limb impairments could be present such as resting tremor or micrographia, often the first symptom of the disorder. These upper limb conditions can lead to difficulties in work, leisure, and everyday activities such as eating and dressing as the disease advances. This research was aimed to provide insightful information for both clinicians, researchers and for community in general. This study was helpful in the field of neurorehabilitation to bridge the gaps of previous researches. Clinician or neurorehabilitation expert can apply the more useful technique on patients and get the better results in less time. Researchers can find the high-quality clinical evidence regarding constraint induced movement therapy on Parkinson's patients. According to evidence-based practice patient preference is considered in providing treatments to patients. So, patient can find out which treatment is better.

40 patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Written informed consent was taken from every subject participating in this study. Allocation of subjects in two groups was done by random number table. Group A was treated with Constrained Induced movement therapy along with routine physical therapy and group B was treated only with routine physical therapy. In routine physical therapy group patients received intervention according to systematic review and clinical guidelines that worked on aerobic capacity, muscle strengthening exercise, walking ability, postural and balance disorders and improving hand arm function.39 Three stages were used in each session: (i) warm-up phase: passive mobilization of major joints and lower limb muscle strengthening; (ii) active phase (both standing and sitting): motor control exercises for upper and lower limbs, and (iii) cool-down phase (in seating position): respiratory exercises and mobilization.

40 The routine or baseline therapy was remained same throughout the study. Constraint induced movement therapy was given to group A for four weeks. Training was done for 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. All the information wascollected by using standardized questionnaire of Frenchay arm test. Confounding variables were controlled by randomization and restriction methods. All treatment was given by single therapist to control the biasness.