Mirror Therapy versus Dual-Task Training on Motor Functions in MCA

Purpose. Large-vessel MCA strokes are associated with severe upper limb motor function loss, and thus with loss of independence and quality of life. Rehabilitation techniques such as mirror therapy and dual-task training using neuroplasticity principles have been found to be promising tools in improving motor recovery. This trial will provide evidence of the superiority of mirror therapy and dual-task training for upper limb motor recovery in patients with MCA stroke, which will further contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation. Material & Methods. In this quasi-experimental study, 32 male subjects who had experienced an MCA stroke with a Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity score from 10 to 50 were included. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups of 16 each by simple random sampling using the sealed envelope method, namely, the Dual-Task Training group and the Mirror Therapy group. The two interventions were equivalent in frequency of delivery (three times per week for 6 weeks), and treatment conditions and baseline comparability were comparable between groups. This study assessed 32 MCA stroke survivors aged 41–59, divided into mirror therapy and dual-task training groups. Results. The study involved 32 MCA stroke survivors (18 males, 56.3%; 14 females, 43.8%) aged 41–59 years, with 12.5% aged 55. Mirror therapy showed pre- and post-test FMA-UE scores of 28.31±2.33 and 41.87 ± 3.96, respectively. Dual-task training showed scores of 28.12±2.47 and 34.56±2.78, indicating greater improvement with mirror therapy. Conclusions. Both groups had similar baseline upper limb motor function. After six weeks of intervention, both showed significant improvement. Still, the mirror therapy group achieved greater gains in motor function, with higher post-treatment FMA-UE scores compared to the dual-task group.