Broderick P, Horgan F, Blake C, Ehrensberger M, Simpson D, Monaghan K. Mirror therapy and treadmill training for patients with chronic stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Top Stroke Rehabil 2018;
26:163-172. [PMID:
30580672 DOI:
10.1080/10749357.2018.1556504]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Previous lower-limb mirror therapy research has focused on non-weight bearing interventions.
OBJECTIVES
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect and feasibility of a combination of mirror therapy and treadmill training on post-stroke lower-limb recovery compared to a placebo intervention.
METHODS
All patients (N = 30) walked on a treadmill for 30 min per day, 3 days per week, for 4 weeks. The mirror therapy and treadmill training group (n = 15) walked on the treadmill while viewing a reflection of their non-paretic limb in a mirror positioned in their mid-sagittal plane. The placebo group (n = 15) received no mirror visual feedback due to an altered mirror position.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES
Ten Metre Walk Test (10MWT) and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT).
SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE). Feasibility was appraised by examining participant compliance and any adverse events.
RESULTS
No significant between group differences were demonstrated for the 10MWT, 6MWT or FMA-LE at post-training or 3-month follow-up assessment. A significant between group difference on the MAS was demonstrated in the reduction of ankle dorsiflexion muscle tone (p = 0.006) and ankle plantarflexion muscle tone (p = 0.01) in the mirror therapy group compared to the placebo group at post-training assessment but not at 3-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Our study reveals that in our group of patients with chronic stroke, mirror therapy combined with treadmill training facilitated significant reductions in ankle muscle tone (p < 0.05) compared to a placebo intervention.
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