Article

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of cerebral function
reorganization and functional recovery by using functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) with constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for chronic
upper-limb hemiparesis in one subject with stroke. RESEARCH DESIGN: The patient
was treated with 2 weeks of CIMT and the unaffected upper-limb was restricted by
a splint for 2 weeks. Clinical measures and functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) tests were performed 1 day before the treatment, the day of after the
treatment and 2 weeks after the treatment. MAIN OUTCOMES: Compared with the
baseline, Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT) of the patient's upper limb
increased by 29.1% and Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) increased
by 18.4%. Before, after and 2 weeks after the treatment, changes of activation in
brain by using fMRI were found during the movement of the affected and unaffected
hand. CONCLUSION: CIMT could significantly improve the upper limb movement
function of stroke patients and fMRI proved that this kind of change was related
with the plasticity change of the cerebrum. The motor function of the unaffected
limb could not be affected when it was restricted and the change of the cerebrum
excitation area was a transient change.

Langue : ANGLAIS