Which facilitation technique is used to block/inhibit functional hand to promote use of the affected upper extremity?

Which facilitation technique is used to block/inhibit functional hand to promote use of the affected upper extremity?

• A. NMES
• B. CIMT (Constraint Induced Movement Therapy)
• C. Hippotherapy
• D. Cold (Cryotherapy)

Answer: (B)

Focusing on forcing use of the affected upper extremity by constraining the unaffected hand targets overcoming learned non-use and promoting motor recovery through intensive, task-specific practice. Constraint Induced Movement Therapy does exactly this by temporarily restraining the nonparetic hand, which compels the individual to work with the affected limb. This approach taps into neuroplasticity, using repeated, purposeful training to improve motor control and functional use in daily activities. Typically, the unaffected hand is restricted for several hours each day over a period (with tasks that progressively become more challenging and a plan to transfer gains to real life), making the affected arm the primary driver of activity. In contrast, electrical stimulation like NMES directly activates muscles but does not require blocking the other hand; hippotherapy focuses on balance and coordination through horseback activity; cold therapy is about reducing inflammation or pain, not promoting motor relearning. So the method that best achieves blocking one hand to promote use of the other is Constraint Induced Movement Therapy.

Focusing on forcing use of the affected upper extremity by constraining the unaffected hand targets overcoming learned non-use and promoting motor recovery through intensive, task-specific practice. Constraint Induced Movement Therapy does exactly this by temporarily restraining the nonparetic hand, which compels the individual to work with the affected limb. This approach taps into neuroplasticity, using repeated, purposeful training to improve motor control and functional use in daily activities. Typically, the unaffected hand is restricted for several hours each day over a period (with tasks that progressively become more challenging and a plan to transfer gains to real life), making the affected arm the primary driver of activity. In contrast, electrical stimulation like NMES directly activates muscles but does not require blocking the other hand; hippotherapy focuses on balance and coordination through horseback activity; cold therapy is about reducing inflammation or pain, not promoting motor relearning. So the method that best achieves blocking one hand to promote use of the other is Constraint Induced Movement Therapy.