TELE-REHABILITATION VERSUS CLINIC-BASED MODIFIED CONSTRAINT-INDUCED MOVEMENT THERAPY FOR UPPER LIMB FUNCTION IN CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS

Stroke commonly results in persistent upper limb impairment that limits functional independence and participation in daily activities. Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) is an evidence-based intervention for improving upper limb function after stroke. Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as an alternative method of delivering rehabilitation services, potentially improving accessibility while maintaining treatment effectiveness. This randomized controlled trial will compare the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation-based mCIMT with clinic-based mCIMT in individuals with chronic stroke. Sixty-eight eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. The tele-rehabilitation group will receive supervised mCIMT through virtual sessions combined with a structured home exercise program, while the clinic-based group will receive the same intervention in a clinical setting. Both groups will receive treatment three times per week for 6 weeks. Upper limb function, spasticity, motor performance, and intrinsic motivation will be assessed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention using the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UEFMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI). The study aims to determine whether tele-rehabilitation is as effective as clinic-based mCIMT for improving upper limb function in individuals with chronic stroke.