There is a “map” of your entire body across the part of your brain called the cortex. The sizes of different body parts on the map depend on how much they are used – for example the hands, eyes, lips and tongue are all much bigger on the map because these parts of the body are used most for sensation and function.
Scientists found that this map is constantly changing according to how you use your body. For example, braille readers have much bigger fingertips because they use them so much more, and violin players have larger left hands because they are used to play the instrument.
When a part of the body is used less, such as an arm and hand affected by a neurological condition, its representation on the brain has been shown to shrink. Children with hemiplegia have been found to have a much smaller representation of their affected arm and hand on their brain compared to their unaffected side.
Constraint induced movement therapy has been shown to increase the size of the affected arm on the brain. The increase in size has remained when followed up 6 months later. So CIMT affects not just the physical arm and hand, but actually causes cortical reorganisation in the brain that lasts. It is the changes to the brain that allow for the improvements with CIMT to continue long after the treatment has completed.
#CIMTMyths
Research has shown changes have continued months or even years after treatment. The aim of CIMT is to produce meaningful results that are lasting.
With the new activity gained through a CIMT Programme, the affected arm can be used in day-to-day function, meaning those changes continue to be utilised. CIMT is designed to be one block of treatment with life-long gains.
#CIMTFacts
CIMT has a broad range of research studies behind it. Visit our evidence base for more information.
Call us on 0330 223 0077 or email office@cimt.co.uk to speak to one of our specialist CIMT therapists.