Evaluation of Action Observation and Motor Imagery Added to Usual Stroke Rehabilitation Impact on Balance, Function, and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

Stroke is a common neurological disorder causing long-term disability in adults by impairing motor and sensory skills, which limits daily activities and reduces independence and quality of life. This trial evaluates whether adding action observation AO and motor imagery MI therapies to usual rehabilitation improves motor recovery, daily functioning, and quality of life in stroke patients. Participants receive either AO and MI therapy combined with conventional rehabilitation or a sham version alongside usual care. The AO therapy involves watching videos of specific upper and lower limb exercises with music, imagining those movements, and then performing them while watching the video. The sham therapy involves watching static nature photos with music and limited exercise practice. Both therapies are delivered in a structured manner over the study period. Participants are assessed before and after 6 weeks of rehabilitation using motor function scales like the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Brunnstrom stages, as well as daily living and quality of life measures including the Barthel Index and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. The study monitors changes in these scores to evaluate therapy effects, with the total participation lasting around 6 weeks of treatment plus assessments.

Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy in Stroke