Comparison Between Movement-Based and Task-Based Mirror Therapies on Improving Upper Limb Functions in Patients With...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Physical Therapy
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Stroke frequently results in upper limb motor deficits, impacting daily living.
• Mirror therapy is a promising rehabilitation technique for post-stroke motor recovery.
• Comparing different mirror therapy approaches is crucial for optimizing treatment.

Observation:

• Thirty-four sub-acute stroke patients with mild to moderate upper limb impairment were randomized into MMT, TMT, or conventional treatment (CT) groups.
• Interventions lasted 4 weeks, with MMT and TMT groups receiving CT concurrently.
• Assessments included Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), grip strength, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and modified Barthel index (MBI).

Findings:

• A significant time-by-group interaction was observed for FMA-UE scores.
• MMT demonstrated a marginally superior effect in improving FMA-UE compared to TMT and CT.
• No significant differences were found between groups for WMFT, grip strength, MAS, or MBI.

Implications:

• Both MMT and TMT are effective in improving upper limb function post-stroke.
• MMT may offer a slight advantage in addressing hemiplegic upper extremity impairment.
• This pilot study suggests MMT as a potentially more effective intervention for upper limb motor recovery in stroke patients.