Impact of Mirror Therapy Combined With Conventional Training on Gait and Lower Limb Motor Function Among Post-Stroke Patients

Impact of Mirror Therapy Combined With Conventional Training on Gait and Lower Limb Motor Function Among Post-Stroke Patients

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy combined with conventional training on gait and lower limb motor function among post-stroke patients. Stroke remains a worldwide health crisis, persistently ranking as a leading cause of long-term severe disability. The study will evaluate the gait and lower limb motor function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with the first-ever unilateral stroke.
• Duration of stroke between 3 months and 6 months (subacute to chronic stage).
• Both male and female patients aged 40 to 70 years.
• Ability to walk at least 10 meters independently.
• Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24.
• Brunnstrom stage of recovery for the lower limb is > 3, indicating some voluntary movement out of synergy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe cognitive impairment, perceptual deficits, or inability to follow simple verbal commands (e.g., severe aphasia or low MMSE score).
• Presence of other neurological disorders affecting motor performance such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or cerebellar disorders.
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, including fracture, contracture, severe osteoarthritis, or pain limiting participation in exercise.
• Uncontrolled medical conditions such as unstable hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, a recent cardiac event, or other conditions making exercise unsafe.
• Severe visual impairment, vestibular dysfunction, or hearing loss that may interfere with treatment instructions or mirror-based feedback.
• Severe unilateral neglect (hemispatial neglect) or apraxia interfering with task performance.
• Current participation in another physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or interventional research study during the data collection period.