Comparative Effects of Mirror Therapy, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on Upper Limb Motor Recovery in Stroke Survivors: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

This study aimed to compare the effects of these three interventions on upper limb motor recovery in stroke survivors. A three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in which eligible participants (N=90) with post-stroke upper limb hemiparesis were randomly allocated into three groups of 30 each: MT group, PNF group, and CIMT group. All groups received their respective interventions alongside conventional physiotherapy, five sessions per week for six weeks.

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with upper limb motor impairment being one of the most prevalent and debilitating consequences. While several neurorehabilitation approaches have demonstrated efficacy individually, limited evidence existed comparing the relative effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) within a single trial framework. This study aimed to compare the effects of these three interventions on upper limb motor recovery in stroke survivors. A three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in which eligible participants (N=90) with post-stroke upper limb hemiparesis were randomly allocated into three groups of 30 each: MT group, PNF group, and CIMT group. All groups received their respective interventions alongside conventional physiotherapy, five sessions per week for six weeks. The outcome measure were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and grip strength via hand-held dynamometry. Assessments were performed at baseline and at after 12 weeks post-intervention.