Kinematic analysis of head, trunk, and pelvic motion during mirror therapy for stroke patients

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate mirror therapy (MT) condition by analyzing kinematic parameters according to mirror size and angle. [Subjects and Methods] Three hemiparesis stroke patients and five healthy adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Kinematic parameters during the MT were collected over a total of 5 trials for each subject (3 mirror angles × 3 mirror sizes). Center of pressure (COP) excursion data was collected by force plate, and other kinematic parameters by infra-red cameras.[Results] The larger the size and smaller the angle, the overall dependent variables decreased in all participants. Particularly, when virtual reality reflection equipment (VRRE) was used, the value of the flexion and the lateral tilt was the closest to the midline compared to all other independent variables. Moreover, it showed tendency of moving towards the affected side. Based on the results, MT for stroke patients has a disadvantage of shifting weight and leaning towards the unaffected side during therapy.[Conclusion] Therefore, it seems to be more effective in terms of clinics to apply VRRE to make up for the weak parts and provide more elaborate visual feedback.

Camera-Based Mirror Visual Input for Priming Promotes Motor Recovery, Daily Function, and Brain Network Segregation in Subacute Stroke Patients

“…It was shown previously, that the reflection equipment in coronally front of patients could reduce posture problems associated with MT, which typically are a shifting of weight and leaning toward the unaffected side, with possible disadvantageous effects on therapy efficacy. 7 We therefore expect the camMVF apparatus used in this study to likewise reduce cervical posture tension and weight shifting. To provide a standardized and systematic procedure for MT, the cam-MVF entailed 2 sections: (1) simple motor training, which contained gross and fine motor tasks, including grasping, finger opposition, pinching, wrist extension/flexion, forearm supination/pronation and so on, and (2) task-based motor training, where texture-varying objects like a glass, wooden blocks, tennis ball, and duster were used to provide task-based training, including specific reaching or placing tasks.…”

“…1,5,6 However, there are some technological limitations and disadvantages, such as posture pressure and lack of engagement, which hinder the treatment effects. 7,8 To overcome these extrinsic limitations, camera technique-based mirror visual feedback (MVF) system has been proposed to provide novel interfaces. [8][9][10][11][12][13] Feasibility and effectiveness of this approach have been demonstrated in both healthy populations and patients with peripheral nerve injury.…”

Effects of camera-based mirror visual feedback therapy for patients who had a stroke and the neural mechanisms involved: protocol of a multicentre randomised control study

“…MT is a plasticity-based approach shown to have significant effects on motor impairment in RCTs3 6 7; however, real mirrors have some technological limitations and disadvantages, including weight shifting and postural pressure,9 10 which may be overcome using camMVF. The present study is aimed at testing the effectiveness of camMVF therapy, compare it with conventional treatment for stroke rehabilitation, and investigate the underlying neural mechanisms for involved aspects of cognition and brain networks.…”

“…In MT, a plane mirror is employed to provide a reflection of the movements of the unaffected hand. The reflection (referred to as mirror visual feedback or MVF) can generate a misperception of ownership which is recognised as a mirror illusion; however, the real mirror used in MT has some disadvantages including lack of balance control, postural pressure and weight shifting and it provides an undiversified training programme, all of which limit its clinical application 9 10. Numerous studies have proposed various technological approaches to create a new MVF interface to overcome these disadvantages 10–14.…”

“…Numerous studies have proposed various technological approaches to create a new MVF interface to overcome these disadvantages 10–14. The feasibility of one such strategy for rehabilitation, camMVF, has been investigated in previous studies 9 13 15 16. Our prior research demonstrated that camMVF can improve upper limb motor function and mental rotation ability in stroke patients 16.…”