Article

Mirror therapy (MT) and mesh glove (MG) afferent stimulation may be
effective in reducing motor impairment after stroke. A hybrid intervention of MT
combined with MG (MT + MG) may broaden aspects of treatment benefits. OBJECTIVE:
To demonstrate the comparative effects of MG + MT, MT, and a control treatment
(CT) on the outcomes of motor impairments, manual dexterity, ambulation function,
motor control, and daily function. METHODS: Forty-three chronic stroke patients
with mild to moderate upper extremity impairment were randomly assigned to
receive MT + MG, MT, or CT for 1.5 hours/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Outcome
measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and muscle tone measured by
Myoton-3 for motor impairment and the Box and Block Test (BBT) and 10-Meter Walk
Test (10 MWT) for motor function. Secondary outcomes included kinematic
parameters for motor control and the Motor Activity Log and ABILHAND
Questionnaire for daily function. RESULTS: FMA total scores were significantly
higher and synergistic shoulder abduction during reach was less in the MT + MG
and MT groups compared with the CT group. Performance on the BBT and the 10 MWT
(velocity and stride length in self-paced task and velocity in
as-quickly-as-possible task) were improved after MT + MG compared with MT.
CONCLUSIONS: MT + MG improved manual dexterity and ambulation. MT + MG and MT
reduced motor impairment and synergistic shoulder abduction more than CT. Future
studies may integrate functional task practice into treatments to enhance
functional outcomes in patients with various levels of motor severity. The
long-term effects of MG + MT remain to be evaluated.

Langue : ANGLAIS