Action Observation Therapy and Mirror Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Action Observation Therapy and Mirror Therapy on Upper Extremity Functions and Quality of Life in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

Small muscles of the hand are affected due to involuntary movements and slowing of voluntary movements seen in Parkinson's disease. There is a loss of fine dexterity and coordination in the hand. It becomes difficult for patients to grasp and release of the objects. They become unable to perform daily activities such as buttoning up, holding keys, brushing teeth, holding forks, spoons and glasses, and writing. Therefore, a certain part of the rehabilitation program should be devoted to upper extremity rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of action observation therapy and mirror therapy, which have been used in the literature for many years, on upper extremity functions and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years and older,
2. Diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease,
3. Parkinson's disease stage (patients with Hoehn Yahr≤3)
4. Patients who can hear and follow verbal instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who cannot cooperate,
2. Patients with dementia or comorbidities affecting cognitive functions,
3. Patients with serious comorbidities (such as decompensated heart failure, decompensated kidney failure) and significant disability (such as vision loss, hearing loss) affecting functionality,
4. Patients with another disease (such as inflammatory diseases, polyneuropathy, brachial plexus lesion, loss of range of motion after trauma) affecting upper extremity functions.
5. Patients diagnosed with secondary Parkinson's disease
6. Patients with acute neurological disease