Abstract
The purpose of this critically appraised topic was to examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) on upper extremity function in adults post stroke. Each year in the United States approximately 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, making it a leading cause of disability nationwide. Individuals who have experienced a stroke often experience decreased occupational performance and engagement due to emotional, cognitive, and physical impairments such as spasticity, hypertonicity, pain, and paralysis of the affected side. These impairments may lead to decreased use of the affected extremity and results in learned nonuse and decreased function. CIMT utilizes cortical reorganization to improve motor function through forced use of the affected extremity. Evidence suggests that implementation of various CIMT protocols paired with occupation-based tasks can significantly improve upper extremity function including improved gross and fine motor function, quality of movement, and the client's perceived quality of life. Therefore, CIMT may be beneficial to address upper extremity impairments in occupational therapy practice to increase independence and occupational engagement for adults post-stroke.