EFFECTIVENESS OF MIRROR THERAPY ON HANDFUNCTIONS IN SUBACUTE STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Mirror therapy is a relatively new therapeutic intervention that focuses on moving the unimpaired limb. In stroke patients, it involves performing movements of the unimpaired limb while watching its mirror reflection superimposed over the (unseen) impaired limb, thus creating a visual illusion of enhanced movement capability of the impaired limb. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy on upper extremity motor recovery, spasticity and hand related functions of patients with sub-acute stroke.Methods: The clinical trial was conducted at the department of Physiotherapy (SIMS College of Physiotherapy, Guntur), for the duration of 6 weeks. Thirty patients divided into two groups: Group A: Experimental treated with mirror therapy along with conventional therapy and Group B: Control group treated with conventional physiotherapy only. Data analyzed using SPSS, Mean, SD and T test for independent samples used.Results: Comparison of pre-treatment and post treatment scores of experimental group of Brunnstrom stages showed extremely significant; while the control groupconsidered not significant. For Modified Ashworth Scale the pretreatment and post, treatment scores of experimental and control groupswere extremely significant. In addition, Functional Independence Measure showed extremely significant for experimental group and not significant for the control group.Conclusions: Mirror therapy shared and a predictable rehabilitation program enhanced upper-extremity motor recovery and functioning in our sub-acute stroke inpatients. It is beneficial in improving the effects and outcome on upper extremity motor recovery and function.