Resistance Training and Constrained Induced Movement Therapy on Upper Extremity Motor Recovery and Quality of Life in Sub-acute Stroke Patients

This intervention involved constraining the unaffected upper limb for 6 hours per day and performing 3-hour intermittent daily sessions of functional task practice with the affected limb for 12 weeks, 5 days per week. Exercises included stretching, grasping, dexterity tasks, and functional activities like self-feeding and button pressing. The program used shaping techniques to increase task difficulty and improve motor recovery. A home exercise program was also prescribed for daily practice.

This intervention consisted of structured progressive resistance exercises targeting the affected upper limb muscles (shoulder, elbow, wrist) using weight cuffs (½-1 kg). Sessions were 60 minutes/day, 5 days/week, for 12 weeks. Intensity progressed from 50% to 70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) based on individual capacity. Exercises were performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions for each muscle group, with 2-minute rest intervals. A home program included additional wrist and hand strengthening tasks.