Mirror Therapy Preceding Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Cross-Setting Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring innovative treatment strategies for stroke rehabilitation, focusing on hybrid interventions that combine mirror therapy followed by augmented reality. Stroke often causes long-term disability and a significant health and financial burden. This study aims to examine new rehabilitation regimens including bilateral and unilateral mirror therapy combined with augmented reality exergaming, which provides real-time feedback to encourage active participation. The study also compares how these therapies work in clinic versus home settings, using telehealth techniques to monitor home practice. Participants will be divided into groups receiving different sequences of clinic-based and home-based rehabilitation. The experimental group starts with clinic-based therapy followed by home-based therapy after a 3-week washout period. Another group begins with home-based therapy then switches to clinic-based therapy, while a control group receives clinic-based therapy throughout but practices at home regularly. Mirror therapy involves movements with the affected and unaffected arms using a mirror, and augmented reality exercises include balance, daily activities, and cognitive training with safety supports. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 21 weeks using measures like the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Berg Balance Scale to evaluate motor and sensory function, mobility, daily function, and quality of life. Additional evaluations include cognitive assessments, adherence to home exercises, and monitoring for adverse responses. Telehealth support helps track home therapy, and the total study duration for each participant averages 21 weeks, ensuring thorough monitoring and data collection.

Mirror Therapy Preceding Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation