In the proposed study, the investigators assumed that rhythmic-based training with immersive mirror visual feedback will provide a better treatment effects than traditional mirror therapy for the patients with unilateral stroke. The aim of the study is to examine the difference in the treatment effects among the combination of task-oriented training with either rhythmic-based training with immersive mirror visual feedback, or mirror therapy on the upper extremity function and brain activity of the stroke patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
36
30 minutes' mirror therapy included movements of forearm, wrist, fingers and thumb, as well as a tendon gliding exercise of less-affected upper extremity using a mirror box
30 minutes' virtual reality-based mirror therapy with rhythmic skill training included musical exercises involving virtual drums playing with less-affected upper extremity, and synchronized virtual drums playing and singing activity
20 minutes' motor training targeted to goals that are relevant to the functional needs of the patient
National Cheng-Kung University Hospital
Tainan, Taiwan
Change in the result of Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) for motor function of upper extremity test
Each item is rated on a three-point ordinal scale (2 points for the detail being performed completely, 1 point for the detail being performed partially, and 0 for the detail not being performed). The motor performance score ranges from 0 to 66 for the upper extremity.
Time frame: baseline, 9 weeks and 21 weeks
Change in the result of Box and block test
The score is the number of blocks carried from one box to the other in one minute. Higher values represent a better outcome. The minimum and maximum value is 0 and 150 respectively.
Time frame: baseline, 9 weeks and 21 weeks
Change in the result of Modified Ashworth scale (MAS)
Muscle tone is defined by the resistance of a muscle being stretched without resistance. The MAS scores were distributed across the entire scale, ranging from 0 to 4, that is convenient for the clinician use. The grading of the scale is described as below: 0) no increase in muscle tone; 1) minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion (ROM); 1+) slight increase in muscle tone, manifested by a catch, followed by minimal resistance throughout the reminder (less than half) of the ROM; 2) more marked increase in tone but only after part is easily flexed; 3) considerable increase in tone; and 4) passive movement is difficult and affected part is rigid in flexion or extension.
Time frame: baseline, 9 weeks and 21 weeks
Change in the result of Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test
The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test examines the cutaneous pressure threshold, range from 1.65-6.65. Higher values represent a worse outcome
Time frame: baseline, 9 weeks and 21 weeks
Change in the result of Motor Activity Log
Semi-structured interview examine how much and how well the subject uses their more-affected arm for 30 activities of daily living. Score range from 0-5. Higher values represent a better outcome
Time frame: baseline, 9 weeks and 21 weeks
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