What is CI Therapy?

Constraint-Induced therapy or CI therapy is a well-known therapeutic approach to rehabilitation after stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). CI therapy consists of a family of treatments that teach the brain to "rewire" itself following an injury to the brain. CI therapy is based on research by Edward Taub, Ph.D. and collaborators at this institution that shows that patients can "learn" to improve movement of the weaker parts of their bodies and their speech. These therapies, in most patients who have been treated, have meaningfully improved the amount of use in everyday life of 1) the more-affected arm or leg and 2) impaired speech. CI therapy is the only rehabilitation technique shown to markedly change the organization of activity in the brain and remodel brain structures. New work is extending this approach to help adults improve how they think when their information processing is slow or otherwise impaired.

Our research group conducts many different CI therapy projects. Treatment is without cost. The criteria that need to be met to take part in a study depend on the particular projects that are underway. Current projects apply CI Cognitive Training to improve the daily living and functioning of people who have cognitive difficulties.

At this time, our research group is actively recruiting for:
Persons who have struggled with confusion, brain fog, thinking, making decisions, or memory as a complication of Covid-19
Persons who had a stroke 6 months ago or longer resulting in continued problems with slow thinking, confusion, making decisions, or memory

CI Cognitive Therapy

A form of CI Therapy that combines Speed of Processing Training with a modified form of the Transfer Package from CI Therapy. The Transfer Package is set of procedures designed to transfer gains from the treatment setting to everyday life. This intervention is intended to not only increase the speed of processing but also improve how much and how well everyday tasks are carried out that rely on brain function.  

CI Therapy Research Team

Gitendra Uswatte, PhD, Director
Edward Taub, PhD, Founding Director
Victor Mark, MD, Medical Director
David Morris, PT, PhD, Physical Therapist and Director of CI Therapy Training
Fedora Biney, PhD, ABPP, Neuropsychology Director
Staci McKay, BS, Research Project Coordinator