Effect of Mirror Therapy and Task Oriented Training for Persons With Paretic Upper Extremity

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of a combined mirror therapy and task oriented/repetitive task training on upper extremity function of persons with hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular accident or stroke.

Detailed Description
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This case series was designed to to determine the effect of a mirror therapy and repetitive task training program on the weak arm and hand functioning due to the consequences of stroke. Mirror therapy is a type of therapy mirror reflection of the stronger arm and hand helps to promote reorganization of neurons. Studies have shown that mirror therapy is an effective adjunct to regular exercise and task-oriented therapy. To qualify for this study, participants must meet the following criteria: 1) age 21 years or more; 2) first-time stroke with onset of at least 3 months; 3) slight movement of the weaker arm or /and hand; 3) stable physical and mental health; and 4) mentally capable and competent to make health care-related decisions and carry out a home program. Participants were required to come to Quinnipiac University - North Haven campus to undergo mirror therapy training, in 45-60 minute sessions, twice a week for one month. They were also required to complete pre-testing before and post-testing after the mirror therapy program. In addition, they were required to carry-out a home program that includes the use of a mirror box and self-selected tasks. The home program required them to exercise and practice the use of their more affected arm and hand for at least 1-2 hours a day. Participation was strictly voluntary. Participants were informed of the minimal risks involved as well as their options to continue or withdraw from the study upon initial consent. The study did not yield physical or mental harm to the participants.

Official Title
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Effect of Mirror Therapy and Repetitive Task Training on Upper Extremity Function for Persons With Subacute Stroke

Conditions
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Stroke, Cerebrovascular Accident

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: mirror therapy and repetitive task training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: able to give consent, complete home program minimal arm and hand use with the paretic limb onset of stroke of at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: >1 stroke episode significant cognitive and visual perceptual deficit lack of social support

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: intervention arm<br>participants received 4 weeks of mirror therapy and repetitive task training | Behavioral: mirror therapy and repetitive task training<br> <br> * Other names: task oriented training;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Patient Specific Functional Scale | Patient Specific Functional Scale is a measure that involves self-rating of self-selected functional tasks | Change from baseline at 2 months | 
| Change in Fugl Myer Motor Assessment | Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment is a clinical performance test of motor ability of the upper extremity | Change from baseline at 2 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Motor Activity Log | The Motor Activity Log is a self-reported measure that captures the amount of arm and hand use and perception of movement quality of the impaired upper limb | Change from baseline at 2 months |