Mirror Therapy with Cutaneous Electrical Sensory Stimulation on Lower Limb Motor Functions in Stroke

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Aug 5, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help improve movement and walking ability in people who have had a stroke. The researchers want to see if combining two treatments—mirror therapy, which uses a mirror to help patients visualize movement, and electrical stimulation on the skin—can enhance the benefits of regular exercise training focused on the lower limbs. They believe that this combination might work better than other methods that don’t use both treatments.

To participate in this study, individuals must have had a stroke within the last 6 to 36 months and should still have some movement in their ankle. Participants should be able to walk a short distance independently, have good mental clarity, and not have any severe visual or movement issues that would prevent them from participating. During the trial, participants can expect to engage in specific exercises while receiving the combined therapies, all under the guidance of healthcare professionals. This study is currently recruiting participants of all genders aged 20 to 45 years.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. have had a single stroke with ischemic brain injury or intracerebral haemorrhage diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography within the previous 6 to 36 months;
• • 2. have at least 5 degrees of active ankle dorsiflexion in the antigravity position;
• • 3. are able to walk 10 m independently with or without a walking aid;
• • 4. are able to score 6 or higher out of 10 on the abbreviated mental test;
• • 5. have no unilateral neglect, hemianopia or apraxia;
• • 6. have no skin allergy (e.g. redness or itchiness to the electrical stimulation pads) to electrical stimulation or electrodes; and
• • 7. are able to follow instructions and give informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. have any additional medical, cardiovascular or orthopaedic condition that would hinder proper treatment or assessment;
• • 2. have visual deficits that may hinder them from benefiting from the mirror visual feedback;
• • 3. have receptive dysphasia; or
• • 4. are involved in drug studies or other clinical trials.