EFFECTIVENESS OF MIRROR THERAPY CONTAINING FUNCTIONAL TASKS ON UPPER EXTREMITY MOTOR FUNCTIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH STROKE

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and continuous care and long-term rehabilitation therapy is essential to prevent complication and to regain the motor function. There are various types of rehabilitation program for improving the functional disabilities. One amongst is the Mirror therapy, which is a non-pharmacological and inexpensive method of treatment. Methods: Quasi experimental research design was adopted to conduct the study with 60 samples who met the inclusion criteria at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Samples were selected by convenience sampling technique. The pre-test assessment was done by using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Mirror therapy containing functional tasks was administered for 30 minutes per day for two weeks for the study group. The control group received routine care. Post assessment was done at the end of 14^th day of intervention for both the groups. Results: Among the patients in the experimental group, pre-test and post-test values were compared (Paired t’ test) and observed statistically significant (p<0.001) improvement in motor function, sensation, passive joint motion and joint pain of the upper extremity and also found significant (p<0.001) difference between the experimental and control group by unpaired t test. Conclusion: The study findings concluded that Mirror Therapy containing functional tasks is effective in improving the upper extremity motor functions among patients with stroke who are hemiplegic and has hemiparesis without any side effects.