Constraint induced therapy (CIT) and modified constraint induced therapy (mCIT). We know them and we love them. These recovery options are richly researched and intuitive. I mean really, how much thought does it take? "If I tie up my 'good’ arm, and work really hard with my 'bad' arm and hand it will move better.” Duh, hello.
The concept of CIT has been extrapolated to everything. For instance there is CIAT (constraint induced aphasia therapy). CIAT is based on the same old idea: If the stroke survivor forces themselves to talk a lot, talking gets better. In many ways a constraint induced therapy is the trunk from which all the theoretical branches spring. And that trunk is as solid as it can be. "Practice makes perfect.” “We are what we repeatedly do.” “Use it or lose it.” ClichΓ©, clichΓ©, clichΓ© but true, true, true.
All good news to be sure. But one bit of the body that has been left to drag behind: The leg. How would you do the CIT for the lower extremity (LECIT)? You could tie up your good leg, but falls, decubitus ulcers, hospitalization, throwing a clot, having another stroke, so let's say… no.
But still the idea is compelling enough for researchers and device makers across the rehabilitation spectrum to want to claim LECIT as their own. I wrote an article about the competing perspectives.
The bottom line is that to adhere to the spirit of constraint induced therapy, you have to overstress the affected leg. And this requires caution. And a therapist. And a lot of work.
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