Task-Based Mirror Therapy Augmenting Motor Recovery in Poststroke Hemiparesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Motor Recovery
• Stroke Research

Background:

• Stroke frequently leads to upper limb hemiparesis, impacting daily activities.
• Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for improving motor function post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of task-based mirror therapy (TBMT) for upper limb recovery in stroke patients.
• To compare TBMT with standard motor rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A pilot, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial involving 33 post-stroke hemiparetic subjects.
• Participants received 8 weeks of either TBMT or standard motor rehabilitation (40 sessions).
• Outcomes measured included Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) for upper extremity, upper arm, and wrist-hand.

Main Results:

• The TBMT group showed statistically significant improvements in FMA-WH and FMA-UE scores compared to the control group (P < .001).
• A 12% increase in subjects achieving BRS stage 5 (out-of-synergy movement) was observed in the TBMT group, versus 0% in the control group.

Conclusions:

• Task-based mirror therapy is effective in enhancing wrist-hand motor recovery in post-stroke hemiparesis.
• Mirror therapy incorporating goal-directed tasks can serve as a valuable adjunct in stroke rehabilitation programs.