Upper Limb Mirror Therapy with Bilateral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to Improve Upper Limb Functions in Patients with Stroke

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Aug 13, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different rehabilitation programs to see which one helps improve upper limb functions in patients who have had a stroke. The two approaches being compared are: one that uses a technique called Mirror Therapy (MT) combined with a method called Bilateral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Bi-TENS), and another that uses a sham version of Mirror Therapy with the same electrical stimulation. Both programs will be used alongside standard upper limb training to help patients regain movement, perform daily activities, integrate back into the community, and enhance their quality of life.

To participate in this trial, individuals should be between 18 and 85 years old and have experienced a stroke within the last three weeks to ten years. They need to have some control over their non-affected arm and a little movement in their affected arm. Participants must also be able to understand instructions and provide consent for the study. Those with certain medical conditions, severe movement restrictions, or who are involved in other clinical trials are not eligible. If you join, you can expect to engage in specific rehabilitation activities and contribute to important research that may help improve recovery for stroke patients in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. have been diagnosed with ischemic brain injury or intracerebral hemorrhage by MRI or computed tomography within three weeks to 10 years after the first onset of stroke;
• • 2. have volitional control of the non-paretic arm, and at least minimal antigravity movement in the shoulder of the paretic arm;
• • 3. have at least 5 degrees in wrist extension of the paretic arm in the antigravity position
• • 4. are able to score \> 6 of 10 of abbreviated Mental Test;
• • 5. are able to follow instruction and give informed consent of the study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Have any additional medical, cardiovascular and orthopedic condition that would hinder the proper assessment and treatment;
• • 2. Use cardiac pacemakers;
• • 3. Have receptive dysphasia;
• • 4. Have a significant upper limb peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetic polyneuropathy);
• • 5. Have severe shoulder, elbow, wrist or finger contractures that would preclude a passive range of motions of the arm;
• • 6. Have skin allergy that would prevent electrical stimulation;
• • 7. Are involved in drug studies or other clinical trials.