Abstract
Introduction
In stroke survivors, the prevalence of upper motor disability remains high. There has not been much report on the success of post-stroke mirror therapy, especially in developing countries.
Objective
The focus of this research is to see how mirror therapy, in addition to standard rehabilitation for hand paresis, affects upper limb motor recovery and level of independence in self-care after stroke at an Indonesian teaching hospital.
Method
This was a randomized controlled trial with no assessor blinding. The study included 18 subacute stroke patients who did not have cognitive or visual impairment. The mirror group received a 20-minute mirror therapy session in addition to conventional rehabilitation, while the control group received only the standard program for 5 weeks (2 times per week). The Brunnstrom score and self-care level of independence elements of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were used as outcome measures.
Results
Baseline comparisons of lesion type and Brunnstrom score showed significant between-group differences. The ANACOVA test showed the difference had no effect on the FIM change in scores (P > 0.05). One patient (mirror group) was dropped out from the study. After 5 weeks (n=17), the mirror group showed improvement in both the Brunnstrom and FIM scores (P < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Conclusions
Mirror treatment improves upper limb motor recovery and level of independence in self-care after stroke when combined with standard hand paresis rehabilitation 2 times a week for 5 weeks.
Keywords:
Outcome Assessment; Health Care; Motor Activity; Quality-Adjusted Life Year; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Therapeutics
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