Mirror Therapy and Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation

Launched by NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Aug 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new approach to help people recover from strokes, which can cause long-lasting disabilities. The study combines two innovative techniques: mirror therapy, where patients use their reflection to improve movement in their affected arm, and augmented reality (AR), which creates a fun and interactive environment for practice. This combination aims to provide more engaging and effective rehabilitation experiences for stroke survivors, helping them regain movement and improve their overall recovery.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between 30 and 80 years old and have had their first stroke at least three months but less than three years ago. They should be able to follow instructions and stand for at least 30 seconds, as well as walk a minimum of 10 meters. Participants will engage in regular training sessions using the mirror and AR techniques. It’s important for potential participants to know that they should not have severe spasticity (tightness) in their arm, major vision issues, or other serious medical problems. The study is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will contribute to valuable research that could improve stroke rehabilitation for many others.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. a first-ever unilateral stroke ≥3 months and ≤3 years
• • 2. age between 30 and 80 years (Kwakkel et al., 1999)
• • 3. baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score \>10 (Fugl-Meyer et al., 1975)
• • 4. no severe spasticity in any joints of the affected arm (modified Ashworth scale \<3) (Charalambous, 2014)
• • 5. ability to follow the instructions of the evaluator and therapists
• • 6. the ability to maintain a step-standing position for at least 30 seconds (Lloréns et al., 2015)
• • 7. ability to walk a minimum of 10 meters, with or without a device (Park et al., 2017)
• • 8. no severe vision impairments or other major neurologic diseases
• • 9. no participation in other studies during the study period
• • 10. willingness to provide informed written consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. acute inflammation
• • 2. serious medical problems or poor physical conditions that might be detrimental to study participation.