Implementing constraint-induced movement therapy into practice in sub-acute stroke: Experiences and perceptions of stroke survivors and therapists.

Only four stroke survivors and eight therapists were included, so the themes may not transfer to other services or to people who were not recruited. Therapists selected participants they thought appropriate, and only four people were identified from 302 stroke survivors who went through the service over 11 months, so views of people who were not considered suitable are missing. Participants had to have at least 10° active extension in the contralesional wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints, plateaued arm function and safe balance while wearing the restraint, so findings may not apply to people with more severe weakness. The study did not include a specific behavioural transfer package, so it cannot say how each component of CIMT contributed. Study transport was provided, which may not be available in routine services.

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by the Vreeburg Bursary Fund and the Constance Owens Trust.

Do not read this as evidence that CIMT improves arm function or that a short protocol will be feasible for most stroke survivors. It reports perceptions and feasibility, not measured arm outcomes, and only four stroke survivors were interviewed, selected by therapists.