UnknownNot Applicable

Acute Effect of Mirror Therapy on Rehabilitation of Paretic Upper Extremity After Chronic Stroke

Brazil40 participantsStarted 2017-09-27

Plain-language summary

Objective: To investigate the acute effect of mirror therapy (MT) on motor control, manual dexterity and spasticity of the paretic upper extremity (UE) of individuals with chronic hemiparesis after stroke, during reaching task. Design: Randomized cross-over single-blinded trial. Subjects: Thirty-three patients post chronic stroke were recruited of the study. Intervention: Patients who first participated in the MT intervention performed a single session of MT, whereas in the control intervention a single session composed of the same exercises was performed, but without the mirror. After a month washout, the patients switched groups. Main measure: The primary outcome measure was motor control. The secondary outcome measure was manual dexterity and UE spasticity. The data will be expressed as mean and 95% confidence interval (continuous variable) and absolute frequency (categorical variables). To compare the outcomes of the different experimental sessions and at the different moments (pre and post session), the Generalized Estimating Equations with post hoc LSD (Least Significant Difference) methods will be used. For all analysis the significance level was set at α = 0.05 and statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Mac, version 22.0, IBM, USA) will be used. Key words: Stroke, mirror therapy, upper extremity, kinematic analysis

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria:1) to have a diagnosis of unilateral, ischemic or hemorrhagic, stroke for at least 6 months and at most 5 years ; 2) age between 30 and 80 years; 3) cognitive ability to follow the instructions of the study (Mini-Mental score ≥ 18 for schooling and ≥ 13 for illiterate);4) mild or moderate motor sensory impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale - mild: 58-64 points, moderate: 39-57 points); 5) spasticity ≤ 2 in the flexor elbow and wrist muscles, and horizontal shoulder adductor (Modified Ashworth Scale); 6) muscle strength ≥ 3 in the flexor muscles of the shoulder, elbow and wrist, and elbow and wrist extensors (Kendall assessement). \- Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with visual impairment; history of severe depression or severe psychiatric disorder; other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders in the UE; visuospatial heminegligence; or pain file ≥ 4 on the compromised UE (Visual Analog Pain Scale), were excluded from the study.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change Movement Cycle Time (MCT)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Index of Curvature (IC)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Average Jerk (AJ)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Mean Movement Velocity (MMV)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Adjusting Sway (AS)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Range of motion

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03371290

SponsorFederal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-09-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change Movement Cycle Time (MCT)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Index of Curvature (IC)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Average Jerk (AJ)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Mean Movement Velocity (MMV)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Adjusting Sway (AS)

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session

Change Range of motion

Timeframe: changes from baseline at 30 minutes after each session