Comparative Effects of Somatosensory Stimulation and Task Based Mirror Therapy in Post Stroke Patients

Comparative Effects of Somatosensory Stimulation and Task Based Mirror Therapy on Upper Limb Function in Post Stroke Patients

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Physical Therapy, DHQ Hospital Sheikhupura, over duration of eleven months. A total of 20 stroke patients meeting inclusion criteria will be conveniently sampled and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A will receive somatosensory stimulation, while Group B will undergo task-based mirror therapy. Interventions will be administered five times per week for four weeks. Upper limb function will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and the Box and Block Test (BBT) to assess upper limb motor function, task based performance and gross motor dexterity. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 26.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: above 40-70 years
• Both Male and female patients
• Unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• Having attack duration of 1 to 6 months
• Mild - Moderate motor impairment
• Moderate cognitive ability according to Mini-mental State Examination score >24 3 grade Brunnstrom upper extremity stage

Exclusion Criteria:

• Aphasia
• Serious unilateral neglect (Star Cancellation Test ≤ 44/54) or visual field deficiency
• Any other comorbid neurological diseases except for stroke
• Diagnosis of any other neuromuscular or orthopedic disease in the upper extremities