COMPARISONOF MIRROR THERAPY VERSUS MUSCLE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES IN ARM REHABILITATION IN SUB ACUTE STAGE OF STROKE : A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRAIL

Abstract

Stroke is the leading cause of brain damage and disability. Rehabilitation measures help to restore lost abilities and improve the quality of life. Motor function deficits due to stroke affect the patient's mobility and cause limitations in daily life activities. Rehabilitation training is one of the most effective ways to reduce motor impairments in stroke patients.
Objective: To find the effects of mirror therapy compared with muscle strengthening exercises for arm rehabilitation during the sub-acute stage of stroke.
Material and methods: A quasi-experimental study of 35 patients in the sub-acute stage was conducted to compare the effects of mirror therapy on strengthening exercises for arm rehabilitation. The sample was divided into two groups; the experimental group of stroke patients receiving mirror therapy with baseline treatment, and the conventional group of stroke patients receiving baseline treatment using a non-probability purposive sampling the technique was used.
Results: At baseline, patients of both groups showed no significant difference regarding both treatments shown by the action research arm test and Fugyl Meyer assessment scale.
Conclusion: The study concluded that mirror therapy has a significant role in improving motor function and strength in the upper extremity, especially as an adjunct treatment to conventional therapy in patients with sub-acute stroke.