The Effect of Vibration Therapy and Mirror Therapy on Upper Limb Function in Patients With Stroke

Launched by IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIVERSITY · Nov 7, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different types of therapy—Vibration Therapy and Mirror Therapy—to see which one helps improve hand movement and function in patients who have had a stroke. The trial is specifically for adults aged 30 to 65 who experienced their first stroke within the last six months and have some difficulties using their affected arm. To participate, individuals should be able to move their fingers and wrist to a certain degree and should not have severe pain or other serious medical issues.

If eligible, participants will join a 4-week program with therapy sessions lasting about 35-45 minutes, three times a week. Both therapies will be used alongside standard rehabilitation methods. The effectiveness of the treatments will be measured through various tests that assess hand function and daily activities. It's important to note that individuals currently involved in other rehabilitation programs or with certain health conditions may not qualify for this study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The participants will be selected from outpatient settings, and should meet the inclusion criteria, i.e. the participants who have suffered sub-acute stroke, have experienced first stroke within 6 months prior to the study recruitment, have upper limb function deficits of Brunnstrom stage ≥ 3, the spasticity of affected upper extremity score ≤ 2 on the modified Ashworth scale, as defined in a previous relevant study (Ahn, Kim \& Park, 2019). Additionally, the age group will range between 30 and 65 years, as defined in a relevant previous study (Hardiyanti et al., 2014). The study should also include participants who are able to extend at least 10° at the fingers and at least 20° at the wrist, as well as intact sensation (Protective Reaction). Participants should be included if Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain assessment shows the score 4 or less, out of 10 (Ahn, Kim \& Park, 2019). Furthermore, participants should have an acceptable level of cognitive function (MMSE scores 25 or more) (Ahn, Kim \& Park, 2019), as well as acceptable and understandable level of verbal communication.
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Participants will be excluded if they are active participants in another rehabilitation program or other experimental studies. Subjects will be also excluded if there is evidence of having any traumatic or congenital upper limb injuries prior to the stroke. Additionally, participants could be excluded if they are evidenced of having a significant medical problem, such as cardiorespiratory, dysphasia, Wernicke's aphasia, and the use of muscle relaxants or suffering contraindications. Moreover, participants will be excluded if they have contraindication of Vibration Therapy, such as acute thrombosis, pregnancy, implants in trained body parts, severe diabetes, activated arthrosis or arthropathy, acute hernia, acute discopathy, fresh fractures in trained body parts, kidney stones, a surgery of trained parts and epilepsy (Albasini \& Krause, 2010). Further contraindications will make participants excluded if they have serious cardiovascular disease, pacemaker, spondylolysis, severe diabetes, recent infections, severe migraine, tumors, interauterine devices, metal pins or plates, kidney stones, recent infections, organ failure and any contraindication to the use of WBV (Albasini \& Krause, 2010). Furthermore, participants will be excluded if the mirror image of two intact limbs evoked persistent emotional reactions, dizziness, sweating and nausea (Rothgangel \& Braun, 2013).