Effect of mirror therapy on hand functions in Egyptian chronic stroke patients

Abstract

BackgroundMost stroke survivors (more than 60%) suffer from persistent neurological impairments that significantly affect activities of daily living. Hand functions are essential for doing daily living and working activities. Mirror therapy is shown to be effective in improving hand functional recovery in stroke patients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of mirror therapy on improving hand functions in Egyptian chronic stroke patients.Subjects and methodsThirty chronic ischemic stroke patients from both sexes participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 45 to 65 years. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups: the study group that received a selected physical therapy program in addition to the mirror therapy and the control group that received the same selected physical therapy program but without a mirror therapy. Treatment sessions were conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Range of motion (ROM) of the wrist extension and forearm supination, hand grip strength, and the time of Jebson Hand Function Test (JHFT) were measured before and after the treatment program.ResultsThere were statistically significant increases in the range of motion of the wrist extension and forearm supination and hand grip strength with a decrease in the time of Jebson Hand Function Test in both groups post-treatment. Post-treatment improvement was more significant in the study group compared to the control group.ConclusionMirror therapy had a positive effect on improving hand motor functional skills in a sample of Egyptian chronic stroke patients.