Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, with upper extremity motor impairment affecting the majority of stroke survivors and significantly limiting their ability to perform activities of daily living. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an evidence-based rehabilitation approach that promotes functional recovery of the affected upper limb by encouraging repetitive use while restricting the unaffected limb. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness in the Indian clinical setting remains limited. 

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in improving upper extremity motor function among patients with stroke admitted to selected hospitals in Salem.

Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental, non-randomized pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among 60 patients with ischemic stroke and upper extremity dysfunction. Participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique and allocated into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group received Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in addition to routine care, whereas the control group received routine care alone. Upper extremity motor function was assessed using the Modified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) Scale and the Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log (UEMAL) before the intervention and on the 10th day after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. 

Results: The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in upper extremity motor function following CIMT. The post-test mean FMA score increased from 6.33 ± 2.26 to 11.80 ± 2.59 (t = 14.9, p < 0.05), while the post-test UEMAL score increased from 14.67 ± 6.98 to 26.83 ± 8.50 (t = 8.45, p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group achieved significantly higher post-test scores on both the FMA (t = 3.19) and UEMAL (t = 4.26). No significant association was found between selected demographic variables and post-test motor function outcomes.

Conclusion: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy was effective in improving upper extremity motor function among patients with stroke. Integrating CIMT into routine stroke rehabilitation may enhance functional recovery, improve independence in activities of daily living, and strengthen evidence-based nursing practice in neurological rehabilitation.