Comparative Effects of Telerehabilitation and Clinic Based Constraint Induced Movement Therapy on Upper Limb Function in Sub-Acute Stroke Patients

Overview

Stroke constitutes a principal cause of chronic neurological disability globally, frequently precipitating profound upper limb motor impairment that compromises functional autonomy and overall quality of life. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) represents a rigorously validated neurorehabilitation paradigm grounded in the doctrine of experience-dependent neuroplasticity, promoting cortical reorganization through enforced utilization of the paretic limb while restraining the unaffected extremity. By counteracting learned non-use and emphasizing high- intensity, task-specific training, CIMT substantially augments motor recovery and functional performance. The primary objective of the present study is to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of CIMT delivery-clinic-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation-in individuals with stroke. A total of 28 participants will be recruited through a non-probability consecutive sampling technique in accordance with explicitly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and will subsequently be randomized into two equal groups (n = 14 per group) using the chit-and-draw method to ensure unbiased allocation. Group A will receive CIMT within a clinical setting under direct supervision, whereas Group B will undergo an equivalent intervention via a structured online telerehabilitation platform under complete supervision. The intervention will be administered to both groups for duration of eight weeks. Outcome measures will include the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to comprehensively evaluate upper limb motor function and spasticity. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the completion of the eight-week intervention period. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 23.