Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy, Electrical Stimulation, and CIMT in Restoring Upper Extremity Function after Stroke

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT), electrical stimulation (EMS) combined with MT, and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in improving upper extremity function among stroke survivors. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving n=45 stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation at Wah International Hospital. The inclusion criteria for the study required participants to be above 45 years of age, to have survived either an ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and to have at least 10° wrist extension. Participants were excluded if they had an implanted electrical device such as an artificial pacemaker, paresis instead of paralysis, hemiplegia due to causes other than ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke (such as trauma, tumor, or coordination problems), or impaired sensory integration. Participants were divided into three groups: EMS combined with MT, CIMT alone, and Mirror therapy alone. Treatment sessions were administered four times a week for three months. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) and Motor Assessment Scale (MAS). Results: Analysis revealed significant improvements in upper extremity function across all groups. However, the CIMT group exhibited the most substantial enhancement, with a mean difference of -68.5 (p < 0.05) on the FMA and -24.1 (p < 0.05) on the MAS compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The findings highlight the superior efficacy of CIMT in improving upper extremity function among stroke survivors. Incorporating CIMT into rehabilitation protocols is crucial for optimizing outcomes in this patient population. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits and optimal implementation strategies of CIMT in diverse rehabilitation settings