Effect of gait training with constrained-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on the balance of stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of intensive gait training using a constrained induced movement therapy (CIMT) technique applied to the non-paretic upper extremity on the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received gait training with CIMT for 30 minutes per session, three sessions per week for four weeks, and the control group received gait training alone. [Results] The experimental group showed improvements in dynamic balance and the degree of improvement in this group was greater than that observed in the control group. Furthermore, the experimental group showed improvements in movement distances to the paretic side. On the other hand, the control group showed no significant improvements in balance indices after the intervention. [Conclusion] Gait training of stroke patients using CIMT techniques should be regarded as a treatment that can improve the balance of stroke patients.