Comparison of Effects of Motor Relearning Programme and Mirror Therapy on Upper Extremity Functions in Post-Stroke Patients–A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of Motor Relearning Programme and Mirror Therapy on upper extremity functions in Post-Stroke patients.Design: Parallel group, randomized controlled trial.Settings: The present research investigation was carried out in the outpatient department (OPD) of the University College of Physiotherapy in Faridkot, as well as in the IPD and OPD of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery of Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot, Punjab.Methods: A total of 45 post-stroke patients with upper limb disability were divided randomly into three equal groups comprises 15 patients each. Group A received Motor Relearning Programme (MRP) along with Conventional Physiotherapy (CPT), whereas Group B received Mirror Therapy (MT) along with CPT and Group C received CPT only. The total duration of intervention was 1 hour per session and frequency of 8 weeks, with 5 sessions per week.Main Outcome Measures: The outcome measures included were Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Chedoke Arm And Hand Activity Inventory Scale (CAHAI), Fugl Meyer Assessment of physical performance of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) Scale.Results: The present study revealed that all the parameters within the groups had significantly improved in the pre-intervention analysis. However, postintervention scores of all the parameters of Group A revealed considerable high improvement at a significant level of (p < 0.0001) when compared to the other two groups i.e., Group B and Group C.Conclusion: In light of the study’s findings, it is concluded that the MRP along with CPT is more effective than MT along with CPT and CPT alone.