HTA Details
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Rehabilitation of Arm Dysfunction After Stroke in Adults
- Publication date
-
2011-November-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Neurological
- Recommendation
-
Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations
- Constraint-induced movement therapy shows short-term effectiveness on arm function and should be considered in the stroke rehabilitation regimen beginning no earlier than one month after the onset of stroke.
- Contextualization of these findings in terms of the management of stroke rehabilitation in Ontario is required.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.
-
To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by the interruption of blood flow in the brain. Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in adults in Canada.
Up to 85% of people who have had a stroke are left with reduced function in one of their arms. Rehabilitation therapy is an important part of care after a stroke and helps patients recover as much function as possible.
Constraint-induced movement therapy is a rehabilitation method designed to improve arm function after stroke. In this therapy, the healthy arm is restrained in a sling for most of the day and the damaged arm is exercised intensively and repeatedly over many days. Not being able to use their “good” arm prevents patients from giving up on the use of the affected arm and allows them to experience gradual, encouraging improvements in their arm function.
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
