Requirements for Acceptance into Current Research Projects

• At least 1 year after either stroke or head injury. However, you can contact us to start the process of evaluation at 6 months after stroke or head injury.



• At least 19 years old



• Ability to make at least some limited movements with the weaker hand



• Ability to pay for room and board in Birmingham (if residence is not in this area) for the duration of treatment and testing (usually 3 or 4 weeks)



• No significant memory or language problems, no excessive pain and no significant hearing or visual problems



• No other serious medical conditions that might restrict project activities



• Individuals who have received Botox injections to reduce spasticity will not be eligible for CI therapy for 3 months following the injection. After 3 months have passed, an individual may be evaluated for participation in CI Therapy research projects. Also, individuals who are currently taking oral anti-spasticity medications (such as baclofen) will be reviewed on an individual basis.

What is the type of work carried out in the research laboratory?

The program uses a new form of treatment termed Constraint-Induced Movement therapy or CI therapy that was developed in this laboratory. Its purpose is to improve the ability to use the arms or legs after different types of injuries, particularly neurological damage such as stroke and head injury. For the arm, the CI therapy program involves intensive training of the weaker arm and hand to improve control of movement. In addition, during treatment the patient wears a padded mitt that decreases use of the stronger hand during everyday activities. The mitt induces the patient to use the weaker hand as much as possible. We focus our attention not just on using the arm in the laboratory, but on having the improvements that are achieved there carry over to the home situation so that a person has greater independence in the activities of daily living.

The laboratory also has used a form of CI therapy to improve use of the weaker leg after stroke, spinal cord injury and fractured hip. However, as noted, therapy for the leg is not being carried out in the laboratory at present; however, it is offered in the Taub Therapy Clinic.

What are the goals of the research laboratory?

The laboratory has two main aims.

The first and most immediate goal is to improve your ability to move your weaker arm and hand. The treatment program is individualized and you will receive our undivided attention to ensure your progress. We want your experience with us to be a positive and rewarding one. We will work together to increase your ability to use your affected arm both in the laboratory and outside the laboratory, in your home. We will also follow up on your progress for a time after treatment ends.

The second aim is to identify appropriate and effective treatments for stroke survivors and those with other types of injuries, and to help in integrating these treatments into the rehabilitation system to make them available to a large number of people. In this process, we work with different types of patients at different times, which may occasionally require a change in the treatment procedures to meet the needs of these specific types of patients.

Has this therapy been successful for others?

Our institution has treated about 300 patients who had their strokes more than one year before the beginning of treatment, with many patients having their stroke more than 20 years earlier. While the amount of individual improvement has varied, most of patients have shown a marked increase in the functional ability of the affected arm or leg.

Who is responsible for this laboratory?

This therapy was developed by Edward Taub, Ph.D. and co-workers. It is currently administered by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. It is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the VA.

How does the evaluation and selection process work?

Potential research patients are evaluated by our physicians and physical or occupational therapists to ensure that they will have a good chance of benefiting from our program. The evaluation involves determining a patient's health status, movement ability, balance, cognitive ability, and functional ability.

Who will be treating me?

The therapy is conducted by trained staff who are in close contact with Dr. Taub and other project members, including physicians, physical or occupational therapists, and administrators.

Where is the therapy carried out?

Therapy is conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Alabama and at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Where will I stay while receiving therapy if I am coming from outside the Birmingham area?

Accommodations are not provided by the project, but a listing of local hotels can be obtained from the project staff. You may choose the location that best suits your needs. Also, you are free to make any other arrangements you would like for the treatment period. Transportation from the hotel to the treatment center may be provided by the UAB van service or by the hotel's van service, when it is needed.

How much will the treatment cost?

If you qualify for a research project, the treatment you receive will be at no cost. However, you will be responsible for your meals, lodging, and transportation (please see above).

How can I sponsor a person?

In the event that you or someone you know would be interested in providing a partial or full scholarship for a person who cannot afford airfare and food and lodging costs when away from home, please let us know. All contributions to the laboratory are fully tax-deductible.

How long does the therapy last?

Depending on which type of treatment you receive, therapy will usually last 2-1/2 or 3-1/2 weeks. The amount of treatment given each day will vary depending on the specific study you are in. Rest periods are given at frequent intervals and vary with each participant's need.

Can someone accompany patients to the therapy session?

Guests may come with the patient to the facility, but are discouraged from remaining during therapy. However, family members are occasionally asked to come into the laboratory to answer some questions and to obtain instructions on how to help the patient continue improving in amount of use of the weaker arm when at home.

Would you like to know more?

If you would like to know more, please contact one of the two persons listed on the first page of this website. You may also email us at the contact addresses given there. For your convenience that information is listed here again.

• Persons who had a stroke 12 months ago or longer. Please contact Staci McKay at:
  
  Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Research Group
  University of Alabama at Birmingham
  1530 3rd Avenue South
  CPM 712
  Birmingham, AL 35294-0018
  
  Phone: (205) 934-9768 or (205) 934-7660
  Fax: (205) 975-9791
  Email: citherapy@uab.edu



• Persons with traumatic brain injury (head injury). Please contact Staci McKay at:
  
  CI Therapy/TBI Project
  University of Alabama at Birmingham
  SRC R056
  1717 6th Avenue South
  Birmingham, AL 35294-7201
  
  Phone: (205) 934-7660
  Fax: (205) 975-9791
  Email: ci-tbi@uabmc.edu