Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy And MS

10/7/2014

Question:
Thank you for your explanation about Dr Gary Cutter's use of constraint induced movement therapy. As I have PPMS I found this treatment option quite exciting.

I read your explanation about constraining arm movement. As my weakest area is my left leg and left foot (drop foot), could you please explain the details of how I would apply constraint induced movement therapy to my leg?

Thank you for your answer as I would like to attempt this approach to assist my walking.

Answer:
Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) of the lower extremities doesn’t actually use physical restraint of a less impaired limb, as is the case with upper extremity CIMT therapy; this would not be possible since you require both limbs for ambulation. Instead an individual is trained to avoid maladaptive postures and movements with persistence of the training effect at home through behavior modification procedures, diaries and a contract with the therapist. In short you require a trained physical therapist to succeed, but to be honest many good physical therapists already use these techniques to achieve better outcomes.

By the way you had me laughing when you mentioned, "Dr Gary Cutter’s study on CIMT"; Gary is a brilliant guy but he is a statistician not a rehabilitation specialist. The other authors from UAB performed the study. I’ve posted the article if you would like to take it to your physical therapist for further discussion and implementation into your rehabilitation program.

Good Luck
Dr Kinkel