Simple and Task-oriented Mirror Therapy for Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective/Background To compare the effects of simple and task-oriented mirror therapies on upper extremity function in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods A single-subject, reversal (applied behaviour analysis) research design was used, and the study included four patients and two treatments. Treatment 1 involved simple mirror therapy that was performed using simple upper limb movements. Treatment 2 involved task-oriented mirror therapy that required each patient to perform functional movements associated with the tasks of daily living. Changes in upper extremity function were assessed during 23 sessions using box and block test, cube carry, and card turning tests. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity function was also performed. Results The upper extremity function of all patients increased after mirror therapy. However, the improved upper extremity function of the patients undergoing simple mirror therapy was not maintained after the conclusion of the therapy. By contrast, the improved upper extremity function of the patients receiving task-oriented mirror therapy continued to improve, even after therapy cessation. Conclusion Task-oriented mirror therapy in stroke patients provided more effective improvement in the upper extremity function of the hemiplegic stroke victims.

Efeitos da terapia espelho na recuperação motora e funcional do membro superior com paresia pós-AVC: uma revisão sistemática

“…In general, the studies that used these tests showed statistically significant results, with improvement of the group that received MT, in comparison to the control group. Some studies used the Action Research Arm Test, the Jebsen-Taylor Test and the Motricity Index instruments and also verified improvements in the experimental group, compared to the control group 17,20,22,23 . Some of the researches also evaluated the sensorial function 16,18 and aspects such as prehension 25 , kynematics 18 and spasticy 16,20 , with varied instruments.…”

“…The most widely used instruments for motor function were FMS 10,15,18,19,[22][23][24][25] , BMRS 15,19,23,24 , MFT 15,19,26 and BBT 19,20,23,25 , which assess the gross and fine motor function of the UL. In general, the studies that used these tests showed statistically significant results, with improvement of the group that received MT, in comparison to the control group.…”

“…In two studies, two modalities of MT were compared with each other. The study by Paik et al 22 compared MT with isolated movements with MT with functional tasks. Improvement was observed in both groups, with no significant difference regarding motor function.…”

Efectos de la terapia de espejo en el ictus. Revisión sistemática

“…Así lo corroboran Paik et al 30 que realizan un estudio en el cual comparan la realización de TE simple o la TE orientada a tareas y observan que esta última es más eficaz para promover la recuperación de la función de la extremidad superior en pacientes con accidentes cerebrovasculares. Asimismo, Bayón et al 31 aseguran que las terapias con orientación funcional a tareas y empleo de nuevas tecnologías facilitan una mayor recuperación funcional del miembro superior.…”

Mirror therapy to improve hand function in spastic cerebral palsy children

“…(Table 2). (Paik et al, 2014;Lin et al, 2014) These movements were conducted, using the unaffected side, and each movement was repeated 10 times.…”