Task-based mirror therapy enhances ipsilesional motor functions in stroke: A pilot study.

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.