A study to evaluate the effect of mirror therapy on upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients.

INTRODUCTION : Mirror therapy is relatively new therapeutic intervention for stroke patients. It is a simple, inexpensive and, most importantly, patientdirected treatment that may improve upper-extremity function. It involves performing movements of unimpaired limb while watching its mirror reflection superimposed over the (unseen) impaired limb (motor imagery). It creates a visual illusion of enhanced movement capability of the impaired limb. AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effect of Mirror therapy on upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients. METHODS : 22 patients with one attack of stroke, duration of illness between 2 to 12 months and brunnstrom stage of motor recovery between 1 to 3 with no cognitive impairment (MMSE>23). Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A and Group B. Patients in group A were treated with Mirror therapy and conventional therapy; where as in group B, patients were treated with placebo Mirror therapy and conventional therapy. ARAT and FGMR were used to assess motor functions before and after intervention. RESULT : Then data was tabulated and analyzed statistically. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to evaluate effect of interventions in both groups and the effect of mirror therapy on upper extremity motor functions compared to control group respectively. The analysis leads to inference that mirror therapy along with conventional therapy showed batter result when compared to intervention in control group. Mirror therapy was found to be effective in improving upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients. CONCLUSION : This study concludes that Mirror therapy improves upper extremity motor functions in stroke patients