Effects of Mirror Therapy and Cognitive Therapeutic Exercise in Stroke Patients

Effects of Mirror Therapy and Cognitive Therapeutic Exercise on Improvements to the Upper Member Functions of Stroke Patients: a Randomized Clinical Test Study Protocol

This is a randomized clinical trial aimed at patients with a diagnosis of residual hemiparesis due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Its objective is to evaluate the effects of the mirror therapy and cognitive therapeutic exercise, both in combination with task-oriented motor learning, to achieve maximum functionality of the affected upper member,

Objective: To assess the effect at 3 months of the of the mirror therapy and cognitive therapeutic exercise, both in combination with task-oriented motor learning, applied for 30 days in the functionality of the affected upper member, cognitive performance, emotional state, performance of daily living activities and quality of life in stroke patients.

Design and setting: A randomized clinical trial of three parallel groups.

Population: 152 patients with residual hemiparesis due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke will be included, selected by consecutive sampling at the Neurological Service and Stroke Unit of the University Hospital of Burgos (HUBU).

Measurements and intervention: Functionality of the affected upper member, cognitive performance, emotional state, performance of daily living activities and health-related quality of life will be evaluated. The intervention groups will receive a treatment based either on mirror therapy or on congnitive therapeutic exercise, both combined with task-oriented motor learning for 30 days. No additional intervention with the participants of the control group will be completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of residual hemiparesis due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke,
• Movements of the affected upper members classified between stages II and IV on the Brunnstrom Scale
• Score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scale equal to or over 26

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heminegligence
• Wernicke's aphasia
• Visual deficits (homonymous hemianopsia)