Constraint-induced movement therapy protocols using the number of repetitions of task practice: a systematic review of feasibility and effects

Background High repetitions of task practice is required for the recovery of the motor function during constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). This can be achieved into ways: when the task practice is measured in hours of practice or when the number of repetitions is counted. However, it has been argued that using hours of task practice as a measure of practice does not provide a clear instruction on the dose of practice. Aim The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility and effects of the CIMT protocol that uses the number of repetitions of task practice. Materials/method The study was a systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020142140). Five databases, PubMED, CENTRAL, PEDro, OTSeeker and Web of Science, were searched. Studies of any designs in adults with stroke were included if they used the number of repetitions of task practice as a measure of dose. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Modified McMaster critical review form. The results were analysed using qualitative synthesis. Results Eight studies ( n = 205) were included in the study. The number of task repetitions in the studies ranges between 45 and 1280 per day. The results showed that CIMT protocol using the number of repetitions of task practice was feasible and improved outcomes such as motor function, quality of life, functional mobility and spasticity. Conclusion The number of repetitions of task practice as a measure of CIMT dose can be used in place of the existing protocol that uses the number of hours of task practice.