About TeleCIMT for Therapists

What is TeleCIMT?

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Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a well-evidenced approach to improve strength and function in a patient's weaker upper limb after a neurological event. TeleCIMT is a three-week home-based CIMT program developed by the TeleCIMT International Development group (TIDE), an international group of therapists experienced in CIMT. 

TeleCIMT is designed to be delivered via Telehealth and was developed in response to the increasing need across the world to provide therapy from a distance. TeleCIMT can also be used in any health care setting which uses Telehealth as a mode of rehabilitation delivery e.g. for populations who live in remote areas where face to face contact is difficult.  

TeleCIMT can be run 100% remotely, or with a mixture of face-to-face and remote contact between therapist, participant and their supporter.  ​

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Is TeleCIMT suitable for my patient/client?

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If your patient has learned to depend on their stronger arm in everyday life and has potential to improve the strength and function of their weaker arm, then they could be appropriate.  There are clear guidelines on whether a patient is appropriate for a CIMT or TeleCIMT program. The main guide is that the patient should be able to pick up AND release a washcloth onto a table at least three times in one minute. Use the screen form to further determine if your patient is appropriate. 

All participants will need access to a device for making video calls throughout the three-week program. We recommend participants use a laptop as opposed to a phone and most participants will also require a named supporter with them to assist with video therapy.

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How does a TeleCIMT program run?

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The program runs five days a week for three weeks with mitt-wearing for six hours a day to restrict the use of the participant's stronger arm. Click here for an example of a therapist TeleCIMT timeline. 

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During this time, your patient will need to work intensively on chosen activities which tackle the specific movement problems you identify together via assessment. They will also follow an agreed schedule of routine daily activities they will use their weaker arm for to transfer skills learned into daily life use.

The program requires commitment from the therapist, participant and their supporter, but the concentrated hard work put in over just three weeks will give the best chance of improving the participant’s arm use and the confidence they have in their abilities.

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How can I learn more about implementing a TeleCIMT program for my patients?

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To learn how to run an effective TeleCIMT program with your patients, no prior CIMT experience is required. However, we strongly recommend you first work through the therapist learning resources. You will be directed to review the TeleCIMT paperwork (TeleCIMT therapist resources) and then work through the TeleCIMT video learning modules. If you already have sound CIMT knowledge and experience, you can skip to the TeleCIMT-focused video training to save time, after reviewing the TeleCIMT paperwork.

The TeleCIMT resources are free to download from this website and include educational videos, step-by-step practice booklets, CIMT specific exercise libraries and all the therapist paperwork required to conduct a TeleCIMT program from screening to completion.

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The idea behind creating a thorough set of resources is to provide sound CIMT implementation support for therapists. By doing so, we hope to enable therapists with all levels of experience to learn about CIMT and, using the resources created, be able to deliver CIMT more routinely in practice. 

Please get in touch via our email address below if you have any queries or suggestions. 

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