Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy combined with Theraputty hand activities on hand functions in Stroke Survivors

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, often leading to significant movement impairments, especially in the upper limbs, with about 75% of survivors experiencing hand dysfunction that affects daily activities. The World Health Organization defines stroke as a sudden disruption in brain function due to impaired blood flow, and it remains more prevalent in urban than rural areas. Recovery of hand function is particularly slow because fine motor skills—essential for tasks like eating or dressing—are often impaired. Mirror Therapy (MT) and Theraputty hand exercises are two techniques used to improve hand function after stroke. MT uses visual feedback to stimulate brain areas controlling the affected limb, while Theraputty exercises physically strengthen and improve coordination in the hand. When used together, MT and Theraputty exercises can enhance motor recovery, increase patient motivation, and target both central and peripheral functions, potentially offering better outcomes than either approach alone. However, research on their combined effectiveness remains limited, highlighting the need for further study.