Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy

A rehabilitation technique for individuals with hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), typically following stroke. The therapy involves constraining the stronger, unaffected limb—traditionally by placing it in a sling or mitt—while intensively training the weaker, affected limb through repetitive task practice. Modified versions (mCIT) reduce the constraint period and intensity to improve patient compliance. In accessible technology contexts, virtual reality systems can replace physical constraints with psychological ones through game mechanics that reward use of the affected limb, achieving higher adherence rates while preserving patient dignity and autonomy.