Efficacy of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy in Improving Upper Extremity Function in Late Subacute and Chronic Stroke Patients: A randomized crossover trial

  • Olipa Zulu
  • Joseph Lupenga
  • Micah Mutuna Simpamba
  • Martha Chalwe Banda
Keywords: stroke, constraint induced movement therapy, mirror therapy, functional activity, conventional therapy, upper extremity

Abstract

Background: To investigate the efficacy of the combination of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy on functional outcome of the upper extremity for patients with late subacute and chronic stroke. Materials and Method: This study was a single-centre, randomized, single subject blind, 2-way crossover. Recruited 12 participants who had chronic stroke treated at the University Teaching Hospital, department of physiotherapy, Lusaka. Patients were randomly assigned in the group (n=6) of combined therapy or to a group (n=6) of conventional therapy. Microsoft Excel was used for randomization and trial group allocation. The data from the same type of treatment in the two sequences were combined and analysed. The primary analysis compared the range of motion and motor function in the two groups at 6 weeks of follow-up. Results: Constraint Induced Movement Therapy with Mirror Therapy produced a significant improvement in range of motion, activities of daily living, and motor function (p<0.016). No significant improvement was observed in the quality of life for either treatment group. However, no significant differences were found between the Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy and conventional physiotherapy in terms of improving range of motion, motor function, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Conclusion: Overall, the combination of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy showed better improvement over conventional physiotherapy in the management of upper extremity impairment in late subacute and chronic stroke regarding the range of motion, motor function, and activities of daily living in chronic stroke patients. Keywords: Stroke, Constraint Induced Movement Therapy, Mirror Therapy, Functional Activity, Upper Extremity, Conventional Physiotherapy
Published
2023-11-08