Mirror Therapy for Hand Function Recovery in Acute Stroke

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Acute Stroke

• Registration Number: NCT07204067
• Lead Sponsor: Riphah International University

Brief Summary

Randomized controlled trial to determine whether mirror therapy (MT), added to conventional physiotherapy, improves upper-limb motor recovery, hand function, spasticity, and range of motion (ROM) in acute stroke compared with conventional physiotherapy alone. Outcomes include ARAT, Motor Assessment Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, and goniometric ROM.

Detailed Description

Stroke causes significant upper-limb impairment in the acute stage; early, targeted rehabilitation leverages heightened neuroplasticity. Mirror therapy uses a mid-sagittal mirror to reflect movements of the non-paretic limb, creating the illusion of normal movement in the paretic limb, recruiting mirror neuron circuits and facilitating motor relearning. Prior work suggests MT can improve fine and gross motor skills, reduce spasticity, and increase active ROM. This trial operationalizes a pragmatic MT protocol integrated with standard inpatient/outpatient physiotherapy in acute stroke.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-08-15
• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-25
• Study First Posted: 2025-10-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-10-02
• Primary Completion: 2027-08-17
• Study Completion: 2027-09-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 44

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 40-55 years
• Acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last 1 month
• Unilateral hemiparesis/hemiplegia
• Medically stable and cleared for rehabilitation
• Able to follow verbal instructions; MMSE ≥ 24
• Provides written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Recurrent stroke or bilateral involvement
• Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24)
• Visual field deficits, unilateral neglect, or severe aphasia interfering with MT
• Other neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's, MS)
• Orthopedic conditions affecting upper limb/trunk
• Uncontrolled cardio-respiratory disease limiting exercise
• Severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in affected limb
• Concurrent enrollment in other interventional trials
• Inability/refusal to consent

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Upper-Limb Function (ARAT total score, 0-57)	6 Months	Change from baseline to end of week 1; higher scores = better function.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Motor Function (Motor Assessment Scale - relevant upper-limb items, 0-6 per item)	6months	Change baseline→week 1; higher = better.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Riphah international University Malakand Campus; 🇵🇰 Malakand, KPK, Pakistan