Mirror therapy can promote the activation and synchronization of lower-limb muscles after stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of mirror therapy on the lower-limb muscles of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Methods Sixty-two hemiplegic stroke survivors were divided by stratified random grouping into a mirror group and a control group, each of 31. Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation training, while the mirror group was additionally provided with mirror therapy to train the non-paretic limb for 30 min per day, 5 days a week, lasting 4 weeks. Before and after the 4 weeks of training, integrated electromyography was performed and the maximum voluntary contraction force (MVC) of the tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and biceps femoris of the paretic limb were recorded and compared. Results Compared with before the training, the average root mean square values of the electromyographs and the average MVCs of all three muscles had improved significantly in both groups after training. Compared with the control group, the improvements were significantly greater in the mirror group. Conclusion Mirror therapy can promote the activation and synchronization of motor units, as well as increase the number discharging and the total discharge, promoting the recovery of muscle strength. Key words: Surface electromyography; Mirror therapy; Stroke; Hemiplegia; Lower limbs