Extending the Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) approach to cognitive functions: Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT) of chronic aphasia.

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a powerful and well evaluated therapeutic tool for the treatment of post-stroke paresis. CIMT is based on an intensive training (massed practice) principle and a gradual rebuilding of movement functions (shaping principle). In this article we will review how CIMT principles can be adapted to treat post-stroke aphasia, thereby establishing a Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT). First results of this new approach suggest success and feasibility for the treatment of chronic aphasia. The observation of reorganizational changes in brain activity following intensive language training add to previous evidence that CIMT-based therapy may lead to macroscopic remodelling of cortical network architecture.