Effect of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation against Mirror Therapy on Hand Function in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Objective: Stroke affects the upper limb function keeping the patient dependent for daily activities. Rhythmic auditory stimulation is proved to be beneficial in upper limb functions, although Mirror therapy and Conventional therapy has their own beneficial effects in stroke. The study aimed at comparing the effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation against mirror therapy and conventional therapy. Method: Sixty participants were taken for the study divided into three groups, 20 in each. Interventions were planned with Group A for Conventional therapy, Group B for Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and Group C as Mirror therapy. Hand grip was measured by Hand held Dynamometer and Hand function by using Action Research Arm Test. Treatment was given for 20 minutes in a day, for 5 sessions a week extending for 4 weeks. Findings: The results obtained after the analysis showed a significant difference in ARAT scores among three groups: Control (34.808.27), RAS (40.607.12) and Mirror therapy (33.507.86) with mean post-test scores (F=4.7400, p=0.0120) and change from pre-test to post-test (F=67.2790, p=0.0001). A significant difference was observed among three groups: Control (21.286.82), RAS (27.616.94) and Mirror therapy (23.39 5.47) with mean post-test scores (F=5.0040, P=0.0100) and pretest posttest score for hand grip (F=59.6750, P=0.0001). Novelty: Mirror therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulation influences the visual and the auditory system respectively. The novelty of this study is being exhibited in identifying the effective intervention that can influence the neuroplasticity of the brain in the learning process. Conclusion: Both RAS and mirror therapy programme have been found to improve hand functions and grip in paretic arms; hence they can be used as an add-on intervention alongside convention therapy to help hemi paretic patients regain upper extremity function. Keywords: Rhythmic Auditory stimulation; Mirror box; Paretic arm; Hand function and Hand grip