Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Also written as: CIMT — Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
An intensive upper-limb rehabilitation approach in which the less-affected arm is restrained to force repetitive, task-oriented use of the more-affected arm, primarily following stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Full Definition
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is based on principles of learned non-use reversal and neuroplasticity. It typically involves restraining the less-affected upper extremity for several hours per day while engaging the more-affected arm in massed practice of functional tasks. CIMT is supported by Level I evidence for improving upper-limb function in stroke survivors who meet eligibility criteria (minimum voluntary wrist and finger extension). Editors should hyphenate 'constraint-induced' as a compound adjective preceding the noun. The acronym CIMT is well established; expand on first use. Do not confuse with 'modified CIMT' (mCIMT), which uses less intensive restraint and practice schedules.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'constraint-induced' as a compound modifier. Distinguish 'CIMT' from 'mCIMT' (modified constraint-induced movement therapy), which uses a less intensive protocol. Expand on first use in all document types.
In Context
- "Participants in the CIMT group wore a padded mitt on the unaffected hand for 90% of waking hours throughout the two-week intervention." — Clinical trial protocol
- "The copyeditor corrected 'constraint induced movement therapy' to 'constraint-induced movement therapy,' restoring the required hyphen." — Manuscript editing note