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