Mirror therapy for patients with severe arm paresis after stroke – a randomized controlled trial

Objective:To evaluate the effects of individual or group mirror therapy on sensorimotor function, activities of daily living, quality of life and visuospatial neglect in patients with a severe arm paresis after stroke.Design:Randomized controlled trial.Setting:Inpatient rehabilitation centre.Subject:Sixty patients with a severe paresis of the arm within three months after stroke.Interventions:Three groups: (1) individual mirror therapy, (2) group mirror therapy and (3) control intervention with restricted view on the affected arm.Main measures:Motor function on impairment (Fugl-Meyer Test) and activity level (Action Research Arm Test), independence in activities of daily living (Barthel Index), quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale) and visuospatial neglect (Star Cancellation Test).Results:After five weeks, no significant group differences for motor function were found (P > 0.05). Pre–post differences for the Action Research Arm Test and Fugl-Meyer Test: individual mirror therapy: 3.4 (7.1) and 3.2 (3.8), ...