Comparative Effects of Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy Versus Motor Relearning Program in Subacute Stroke Patients

Comparative Effects of Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy Versus Motor Relearning Program on Balance, Motor Function and Activities of Daily Living in Subacute Stroke Patients

Use of motor imagery, mirror therapy and motor relearning program in rehabilitation of people with stroke is on rise and these are unique and emerging techniques. Motor imagery is a mental rehearsal through visualization while mirror therapy creates a reflection of non-effected limb by using a mirror. Moreover, motor relearning is task-oriented approach, benefacial for balance and motor funCtion in patients with stroke that emphasizes on relearning.The aim of the study is to determine the comparative effects of motor imagery and mirror therapy versus motor relearning program in addition to routine physical therapy on balance, motor function and activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients.

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at medical centre Fifty stroke patients will be included using convenience sampling technique. The participants in the study will be randomly allocated in to two groups . Twenty five participants will be included in both Groups A d B. Group A (motor imagery and mirror therapy) will receive 60 minutes treatment session that consists of 20 minutes motor imagery, 20 minutes mirror therapy along with 20 minutes routine physical therapy and Group B (motor relearning program) will receive treatment session of 60 minutes including motor relearning program of 40 minutes duration along with routine physical therapy of 20 minutes. Both groups will undergo 60 minutes session for 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Berg balance scale will be used to assess balance, Fugl-meyer assessment to assess motor function and Functional independence measure for activities of daily living. Assessment will be carried out at baseline, 4th week, 8th week and at 12th week after the discontinuation of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Stroke patient of both gender.
2. Stroke patient of age 40-65 year .
3. Patient diagnosis of cerebral ischemic stroke .
4. Patients who had suffered a stroke with hemiplegia, were subacute at least 3 months to 5 months since the onset.
5. Ability to walk with minimal assistance (functional ambulation category 1 to 3.
6. Patient with score > 25 on mini-mental status examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who presented with hemiplegic neglect or apraxia
2. Patients with history of global or receptive aphasia
3. Patients with history of psychological or emotional problems
4. Patients with history of decompensated cardiovascular/ respiratory/ digestive/ renal disorders, biologic inflammatory syndrome, neoplastic disorders, neurogenic bladder or skin disorders (bedsores).
5. Patients with history of artificial joints