Efficacy of Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy in Post-Surgical Ulnar and/or Median Nerve Repair Patients

Abstract

Background: After upper extremity nerve repair, there occurs impairment in hand functions which represents
a major problem in activities of daily living (ADL) for the patient. Therefore, the patients after peripheral nerve
repair needs rehabilitation to improve their functional status. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy
of modified constraint-induced movement therapy in subjects after nerve repair in upper extremity.
Methodology: 27 post-surgical subjects of ulnar and/or median nerve repair, aged 18-60 years, were included in
the study as per the selection criteria. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, Group A (n=14) and
Group B (n=13) and were assessed for functional disability, integrated hand function, pain and muscle strength
using DASH questionnaire, SHFT, VAS and BMRC muscle strengthening grading system respectively. Group
A received Modified constraint-induced movement therapy along with conventional therapy. Group B received
Conventional therapy alone. The subjects were given a total duration of intervention of 8 weeks, with 5 weekly
sessions and were reassessed after 8 weeks.
Conclusion: The results of this study conclude that modified constraint induced movement therapy combined
with Conventional physiotherapy is more effective when compared to Conventional therapy alone in improving
muscle strength and integrated hand function, reducing pain and disability in subjects with nerve repair in upper
extremity.