Development and pilot evaluation of a web-supported programme of Constraint Induced Therapy following stroke (LifeCIT)
Persisting non-use of the hemiplegic upper limb is a common and disabling consequence of stroke. Constraint Induced Therapy (CIT) has recently been shown to improve upper limb function, but is currently rarely implemented in the NHS. CIT involves restricting use of the unaffected limb (using a mitt) and encouraging use of the hemiplegic limb for several hours a day (using repetitive exercises and normal activities). Barriers to implementation include insufficient resources to provide supervised clinic-based CIT, and lack of patient confidence and motivation to carry out CIT alone at home. We have developed a web-based software tool (the LifeGuide) that could be used to provide and monitor motivating individualised programmes for home-based CIT at home with online therapist support.