Randomized controlled trial to determine whether mirror therapy (MT), added to conventional physiotherapy, improves upper-limb motor recovery, hand function, spasticity, and range of motion (ROM) in acute stroke compared with conventional physiotherapy alone. Outcomes include ARAT, Motor Assessment Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, and goniometric ROM.
Stroke causes significant upper-limb impairment in the acute stage; early, targeted rehabilitation leverages heightened neuroplasticity. Mirror therapy uses a mid-sagittal mirror to reflect movements of the non-paretic limb, creating the illusion of normal movement in the paretic limb, recruiting mirror neuron circuits and facilitating motor relearning. Prior work suggests MT can improve fine and gross motor skills, reduce spasticity, and increase active ROM. This trial operationalizes a pragmatic MT protocol integrated with standard inpatient/outpatient physiotherapy in acute stroke.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
44
Experimental: Mirror Therapy + Conventional Physiotherapy Mirror therapy performed 20 min/session, 2 sessions/week for 1 week. A mirror is placed midsagittal, reflecting the non-paretic limb while hiding the paretic limb. Patients perform bilateral movements (wrist, finger, elbow flex/extension; reaching/grasping) while focusing on the mirror image. This is followed by 20 min of conventional physiotherapy, including strengthening, functional tasks, theraputty squeezes, finger extension with rubber band, towel wringing, lifting small objects, overhead reaching, and ball toss. Active Comparator: Conventional Physiotherapy Only Conventional physiotherapy 20 min/session, 2 sessions/week for 1 week. Exercises include upper limb strengthening, functional task practice, theraputty squeezes, finger extension with rubber band, towel wringing, lifting small objects, overhead reaching, and ball toss.
Riphah international University Malakand Campus
Malakand, KPK, Pakistan
RECRUITINGUpper-Limb Function (ARAT total score, 0-57)
Change from baseline to end of week 1; higher scores = better function.
Time frame: 6 Months
Motor Function (Motor Assessment Scale - relevant upper-limb items, 0-6 per item)
Change baseline→week 1; higher = better.
Time frame: 6months
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