Effect of intense functional task training upon temporal structure of variability of upper extremity post stroke

Study design: Quasi-experimental design. Introduction: Although the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation post stroke is well known, the efficacy of CIMT to enhance the temporal structure of variability in upper extremity movement is not known. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CIMT could enhance the temporal structure of variability in upper extremity movement in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: Six participants with chronic stroke underwent CIMT for 4 h/day for 2 weeks. Participants performed three trials of functional reach-to-grasp before and after CIMT. Temporal structure of variability was determined by calculating approximate entropy (ApEn) in shoulder, elbow and wrist flexion/extension joint angles. Results: ApEn increased post CIMT, however, statistical significance was not achieved (p > 0.0167). Conclusion: Future studies with larger sample size are warranted to investigate the effect of CIMT upon temporal structure of variability in UE movement. Level of evidence: 4.