Effects of mirror feedback during balanced exercise performance in the old people with mild cognitive impairment

Unbalanced movements between the bilateral sides may lead to dyskinesia and reduced motor function. The upper limbs are the most complex joints with different rate of usage between the limbs. The dominant side is repeatedly used more than the contralateral side for better dexterity and musculoskeletal utility. Such imbalance between the two bilateral sides may lead to further difference in movement ability. This study aimed to observe the feasibility of the mirror feedback method in the upper limb movements in the old people with mild cognitive impairment. Twenty-seven-old people with history of stroke were selected. Motion sensors were used to assess the location and motion of two limbs in synchronized lateral raise that include the abduction and adduction motions during the mirror feedback and no feedback trials. The results of the mirror feedback showed comparatively similar motions between the left and right upper limbs. The results of the study may indicate possible recommendation of mirror feedback method for synchronizing exercise motion of the upper limbs for the old people with mild cognitive impairment.