Effect Of Kinesthetic Illusion Induced By Visual Stimulation On Hand Function In Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Upper limb motor dysfunction is a common and undesirable consequence of stroke that increases activity limitation and reduces their quality of life (QOL). Hand function impairment in chronic stroke is related to decreased ability to control voluntary muscle activity and the abnormal recruitment of contralateral corticoreticulospinal pathways. Kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) is an implicit motor imagery that is carried as a result of cognitive substitution of the paralyzed real body with a functioning virtual body. Kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) has been demonstrated to induce a vivid kinesthetic sensation without accompanying voluntary movement. The aim of this study is to evaluate effect of kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) on hand function in patients with chronic stroke. Patients with stroke of age between 45 years to 65 years will be included in the study. Patients will be screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Before the collection of the data informed written consent will be obtained.  The patients will be allocated into two exercise groups using a block randomization method. The participants in interventional group will be receiving Kinesthetic illusion induced by visual stimulation (KINVIS) and conventional therapy. Patients will be seated in a comfortable position with their forearm resting on the top of the table. A pre-recorded video of hand movement of unaffected side will be flipped horizontally and projected on a monitor, which will be placed over the affected forearm to provide the illusion that the patient’s forearm is identical to that depicted in the video. The video will show that the hand repeatedly grasps an object for 3 seconds and releases the object for 3 seconds, with a total of 20 min (2 sessions of 10 minutes). Conventional therapy group aimed to normalize movement patterns and minimize spasticity. Physical therapy included static and dynamic control of position, balance skills, weight shifts, and activities of daily living. The pre-treatment data will be obtained using Fugl meyer assessment scale-upper extremity, Modified ashworth scale and Block and block test. The intervention will be given to the patients of both the groups for 4 weeks. After completion of the intervention, the patients will be screened for post treatment data.