Which technique focuses specifically on enhancing the use of the affected limb in stroke patients?

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is specifically designed to enhance the use of the affected limb in stroke patients by promoting practice and repetitive use of that limb while restricting the use of the unaffected limb. This technique leverages principles of neuroplasticity, which suggest that intensive practice can lead to the reorganization of neural pathways and improved function in the affected arm or hand.

CIMT typically involves a structured rehabilitation program that includes intensive training of the affected limb over several hours per day, focusing on specific tasks and functional activities. The restriction of the unaffected limb forces the patient to rely more on the affected limb, thereby encouraging greater engagement and practice, which is essential for recovery.

In contrast, while other techniques such as task-oriented training and mirror therapy have their benefits, they may not emphasize the restriction of the unaffected limb as a core component of their methodology. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation focuses more on the facilitation of muscle contractions and stretching rather than specifically altering limb use related to stroke recovery.