Norwegian Constraint-Induced (CI) Therapy Multisite Trial

Intensive Training of Arm and Hand Function in People With Stroke - A Randomized Controlled Multisite Trial.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether modified CI therapy treatment is suitable and effective in the early rehabilitation after stroke, and to compare early CI intervention with a later CI intervention group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke at more than 5 and less than 26 days ago.(Either first stroke or second stroke without detectable arm weakness after the first stroke).
• Modified ranking scale 0-2 before admission
• Persistent unilateral arm or hand paresis (Scandinavian Strokes scale (SSS) arm motor function 2-5 or SSS hand motor function 2-4)
• Able to lift two fingers with the forearm pronated on the table or able to extend the wrist at least 10 degrees from fully flexed position.
• Able to follow a two step command.
• Mini Mental State examination score of more than 20 (or more than 16 in combination with expressive aphasia)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Modified Rankin Scale > 4
• Unable to give informed consent
• Large hemispatial neglect (more than two cm on the Line Bisection Test)
• Not expected to survive one year due to other illnesses (eg cardiac, malignancy)
• Injury or condition in the affected upper extremity that limited use prior to the stroke.
• Other neurological condition affecting motor function