A study to evaluate sensorimotor function of the upper and lower extremities of hospitalized cardiovascular accident patients by using mirror therapy as an intervention

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) represent a substantial public health concern due to their high prevalence and associated mortality. Reports indicate that 85% of CVA survivors experience hemiplegia, with 69% suffering from limitations in their upper limb functionality. Despite the existing standard therapeutic approaches, achieving active recovery in the upper extremities remains a challenge. Mirror therapy is an uncomplicated, cost-effective, and patient-centered approach to stroke management. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective observational study with a quasi-experimental design, with two groups, namely interventional and control groups. Patients who had been provisionally diagnosed and hospitalized with unilateral ischemic stroke and had upper and lower weakness or both on one side and were willing to participate in the study were included. Patients who are bedridden, ventilated, unconscious, and psychologically unstable are excluded from the study. A total of 60 patients were included in the study, 30 each in the case and control groups. Results: In total, 60 patients were included in the study, 30 each in the case and control groups. Most of the study participants belong to the age group of over 55 years (66.66% in the experiment group and 53.33% in the control group). Overall, 80% (n = 24) of the experiment group participants and 66.6% (n = 20) of the control group participants were males. Conclusion: The observations of this study depict a significant improvement in the sensorimotor function after receiving mirror therapy, which validates the findings of the previous studies and hypotheses.