Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis. Part 1: Effects on Real-World Function.

Background: Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CIMT) has controlled evidence of efficacy for improving real-world paretic limb use in non-progressive physically disabling disorders (stroke, cerebral palsy).

Objective: This study sought to determine whether this therapy can produce comparable results with a progressive disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted a preliminary phase II randomized controlled trial of CIMT versus a program of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for persons with MS, to evaluate their effect on real-world disability.