How often should a patient ideally practice the affected arm in Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy?

In Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy (mCIT), the focus is on intensive practice of the affected arm to promote functional use and neural recovery after a stroke. The optimal practice duration is emphasized to allow for meaningful engagement with the affected limb, which can lead to significant improvements in motor function. Practicing for 5 hours a day has been found to be an effective duration for facilitating neuroplasticity and encouraging the brain to adapt and compensate for the lost functions. This intensity helps in reinforcing new skills and motor pathways, leading to better functional outcomes.

The other options, while they may suggest a form of practice, do not align with the levels of intensity recommended in the research supporting mCIT. Practicing 3 times a week, 30 minutes a day, or once a week would not provide the same level of neuroplastic stimulation and skill reinforcement needed for significant recovery in the affected arm. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the critical element of intensive practice within the framework of rehabilitation for stroke patients.