Task-based mirror therapy enhances ipsilesional motor functions in stroke: A pilot study. Issue 2 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arya, Kamal Narayan; Pandian, Shanta; Kumar, Dharmendra
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 21:Issue 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 334
• Page End: 341
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Dexterity -- Ipsilesional-side -- Less-affected side -- Mirror therapy -- Stroke-rehabilitation -- Task-specific; Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.08.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

Summary: Objective: To examine the effect of Mirror therapy (MT) on dexterity, coordination, and muscle strength of the less-affected upper limb in stroke. Design: Pre-test post-test, single group, experimental design. Setting: Rehabilitation institute. Participants: Post-stroke hemiparetic chronic subjects (N = 21). Interventions: Forty sessions of MT using various tasks in addition to the conventional rehabilitation. Tasks such as lifting a glass, ball-squeezing, and picking-up objects were performed by the less-affected side in front of the mirror-box creating an illusion for the affected side. Main outcome measures: Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT), Purdue Peg Board Test (PPBT), and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) were used to measure the deficits of the less-affected side. Result: Post-intervention, the less-affected side of the participants exhibited significant improvement on MMDT (p < 0.001), PPBT (p < 0.001), and MMT (shoulder flexors, wrist extensors and deviators, and finger flexors-extensors; p = 0.005–0.046). Conclusion: In post-stroke hemiparesis, MT also led to the improvement in dexterity, coordination, and strength of the less-affected side. In addition to the affected side, the technique may augment the subtle motor deficits of the less-affected side.