An interventional study of Task based mirror therapy and Conventional exercises in Stroke, sponsored by Riphah International University. Recruiting at 2 sites in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 45 Years to 75 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-24.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The study aims to determine the effects of task-based mirror therapy on edema, pain and upper limb motor function with shoulder-hand syndrome in post stroke patients.
This randomized clinical trial will take place at Ittefaq Hospital and Trust Lahore and Alara healthcare clinic, Lahore involving 34 participants aged 45-75 years. Using a non-probability convenience sampling method, participants will be randomly assigned by online randomizing tool into two groups: experimental group (17 participants) and control group (17 participants). Both groups will undergo treatment for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, over four weeks. Each task will be performed by repeating each movement 20 times per set for three sets, with a 2-minute break between sets. There will also be 2-minute intervals between each completed task Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), edema measured by the figure-of-eight method, and upper limb motor function evaluated using the Functional Independence measure (FIM). Assessments will occur at baseline and post-intervention.
Stroke is a sudden neurological loss caused by cerebral vascular damage. Upper extremity paralysis is the most prevalent symptom in stroke patients. Stroke-related paralysis is typically caused by internal capsule injury. Neuroplasticity, which involves multiple sections of the brain, is necessary to heal from this damage.Upper extremity function makes up 60% of total body function, with hand function accounting for 90% of that. Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS), a chronic neurological condition that can develop after a stroke, is defined by excruciating discomfort, edema, vasomotor instability, and impaired motor performance. SHS is often referred to as reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper limb or poststroke complicated regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The development of upper limb discomfort and edema observed in SHS was attributed to hemiparetic arms. After a stroke autonomic and motor dysfunction, as well as upper limb pain, can be symptoms of SHS. Pathophysiologic mechanisms may include somatosensory and central autonomic system in brain, peripheral sensitization as hyperexcitability of the afferent fibers and inflammation of peripheral nerves and central mechanism as maladaptive neuroplasticity of motor cortex.
Mirror therapy is an attractive treatment option for clinical practice because it is simple to implement, relatively inexpensive, less intimidating for patients, and often equally or more effective than many alternative treatments. However, not all mirror therapy studies involving stroke victims have yielded such encouraging results. One study observed that the positive effects of mirror therapy decreased over time, and that mirror therapy involving the repetition of simple movements produced improvements during the start of treatment but were followed by a gradual decrease in function as the patients became bored with the movements and began resisting therapy. Based on this observation, mirror therapy programs that incorporate a variety of functional tasks were proposed to be more effective than those involving only simple movements designed to mimic tasks. It was also suggested the use more functional and task-oriented programs that involved picking up a coin because simple movements restrict the functional recovery of more complicated movements performed using the upper extremity. It was observed that treatment was more effective when an actual coin was used rather than when the same motion was performed without a coin.
Traditional rehabilitation methods often inadequately address the specific symptoms of SHS, creating a compelling case for innovative approaches like TBMT. This method uses visual feedback to improve motor function while engaging patients in purposeful, task-oriented exercises. Mirror treatment improves brain plasticity and motor recovery. This study will help us understand the effects of this treatment method and will pay ways for upgraded treatment strategies to improve symptoms and may have better outcomes and prognosis.
Inclusion Criteria: Age 45 to 75 years.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants who have medical problems or co-morbidities that interdict their participation in the study.
Task based mirror therapy
Other: Task based mirror therapy
Conventional exercises
Other: Conventional exercises
Group A will undergo treatment for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, over four weeks. Each task will be performed by repeating each movement 20 times per set for three sets, with a 2-minute break between sets. There will also be 2-minute intervals between each completed task
Group B will undergo treatment for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, over four weeks. Each task will be performed by repeating each movement 20 times per set for three sets, with a 2-minute break between sets. There will also be 2-minute intervals between each completed task
Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is an effective tool for assessing pain intensity in stroke patients, utilizing a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable." This scale is particularly valuable in stroke populations due to its simplicity and quick administration, allowing for effective communication of pain levels even in individuals with cognitive or physical impairments.
Time frame: Baseline
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is an effective tool for assessing pain intensity in stroke patients, utilizing a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable." This scale is particularly valuable in stroke populations due to its simplicity and quick administration, allowing for effective communication of pain levels even in individuals with cognitive or physical impairments.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Figure of 8 measurement method
Figure 8 measurement method is a practical technique used to assess edema in the hand, particularly following a stroke. This method involves wrapping a flexible measuring tape around the hand and wrist in a figure-eight pattern, allowing for consistent measurements at specific anatomical points. It begins by placing the tape at the ulnar aspect of the wrist, passing it across the palm and around the fingers, and then returning to the starting point. Abnormal values indicating edema may be defined as an increase of more than 1-2 cm compared to the unaffected hand, signifying potential swelling due to conditions such as stroke, trauma, or inflammation
Time frame: Baseline
Figure of 8 measurement method
Figure 8 measurement method is a practical technique used to assess edema in the hand, particularly following a stroke. This method involves wrapping a flexible measuring tape around the hand and wrist in a figure-eight pattern, allowing for consistent measurements at specific anatomical points. It begins by placing the tape at the ulnar aspect of the wrist, passing it across the palm and around the fingers, and then returning to the starting point. Abnormal values indicating edema may be defined as an increase of more than 1-2 cm compared to the unaffected hand, signifying potential swelling due to conditions such as stroke, trauma, or inflammation
Time frame: 4 weeks
Functional independence measure [FIM]
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) assesses a patient's level of independence in daily activities following a stroke. It includes various domains such as self-care, mobility, and social cognition. An admission FIM score \> 70 has been associated with achieving non-dependence by discharge whereas those with an admission score \< 50 remained dependent
Time frame: Baseline
Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) assesses a patient's level of independence in daily activities following a stroke. It includes various domains such as self-care, mobility, and social cognition. An admission FIM score \> 70 has been associated with achieving non-dependence by discharge whereas those with an admission score \< 50 remained dependent
Time frame: 4 weeks
Plan to share: No
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