Application of visual feedback training based on mirror neuron theory in upper limb function reconstruction in stroke patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of visual feedback training based on the mirror neuron theory in upper limb function reconstruction in stroke patients. Methods From June 2017 to June 2018, totally 61 stroke patients hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Medical Center of the Second Hospital of Jiaxing were selected by convenient sampling and divided into the observation group (n=31) and the control group (n=30) according to the random number table. Patients in both groups received routine rehabilitation therapy, while patients in the observation group underwent visual feedback training on this basis. They were evaluated using Barthel Index , Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) (upper limb) , and the latency and amplitude of N9 and N20 were detected using somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) before and 8 weeks after rehabilitation intervention. Results After the intervention, the FMA score of the upper limbs in the observation group was (47.91±6.92) , higher than (40.31±7.87) in the control group, the Barthel Index of the observation group was (77.33±11.82) , higher than (66.79±12.31) in the control group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.01) . The SEP values of the upper limbs of the hemiplegia side in the observation group were better than those in the control group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusions The visual feedback training based on the mirror neuron theory can improve the upper limb motor function in stroke patients with early hemiplegia, improve their daily living activities, increase the N9 and N20 amplitudes of SEP, shorten their latency, and enhance the excitement of the upper limb movement related brain area in the mirror neuron system. Key words: Stroke; Upper limb function; Visual feedback training; Mirror neuron; Somatosensory evoked potentials