The effect of mirror therapy on balance ability of subacute stroke patients

Background: Rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients represents a major challenge. Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effects of mirror therapy on balance ability among subacute stroke patients. Methods: The patients were assigned to a mirror therapy group (n = 17) or a sham therapy group (n = 17). Participants in the experimental group received mirror therapy and conventional rehabilitation therapy for a total of 60 minutes (mirror therapy: 30 minutes; conventional rehabilitation therapy: 30 minutes) per day, with a 10 minute rest period halfway through the session. Participants in the experimental group received training 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group received sham therapy and conventional rehabilitation therapy for a total of 60 minutes (sham therapy: 30 minutes, conventional rehabilitation therapy: 30 minutes) per day on the same day. Balance Index (BI) scores were obtained using a balance measurement system. Results: A significant difference in post-training gains for the overall stability index and medial and lateral stability index was observed between the experimental group and the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that mirror therapy may be beneficial in improving balance ability among subacute stroke patients. Copyright (C) 2016, Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.