Comparison of Effects of Mirror Therapy Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation or Binaural Beats on Cortical Excitability, Heart Rate Variability and Lower Limb Motor Function in Stroke Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of mirror therapy combined with either neuromuscular electrical stimulation or binaural beat stimulation on improving lower limb motor function in patients who have experienced a stroke. The study also investigates how changes in brain activity relate to motor function recovery after stroke. This research is designed to provide insights into rehabilitation methods for stroke survivors. Participants will receive one of three treatments: mirror therapy alone, mirror therapy with electrical stimulation applied to the affected leg's tibialis anterior muscle, or mirror therapy combined with listening to music featuring 14Hz binaural beat stimulation. Mirror therapy involves seated ankle exercises performed with a mirror placed between the legs, with specific timing for exercise and rest. Electrical stimulation uses a frequency of 35 Hz and pulse width of 250 microseconds. These interventions are compared to determine their effects on motor recovery. During the study, participants' motor function will be assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment for the lower extremity as the primary outcome. Additional evaluations include muscle tone measurement, mobility tests, balance assessment, and daily living activities scales. These assessments are brief, ranging from 5 to 10 minutes each, allowing researchers to monitor changes in motor abilities and brain excitability. The study is randomized and single-blind, involving adults aged 20 to 80 years who meet specific criteria related to stroke history and physical abilities.

Comparison of Effects of Mirror Therapy Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation or Binaural Beats Stimulation on Cortical Excitability, Heart Rate Variability and Lower Limb Motor Function in Patients With Stroke