Effectiveness of a Robotic Mirror Therapy Device Compared to Conventional Mirror Therapy for Hand Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness in improving pain and motor function of a robotic mirror therapy device for hand rehabilitation that replicates the movement of fingers of the unaffected hand on the affected side. DESIGN: In a preliminary clinical trial, participants with hemiparesis were randomized to (1) an intervention group receiving device-assisted training or (2) a control group receiving conventional mirror therapy. Both groups trained three times per week for 15 minutes until discharge from the inpatient rehabilitation unit after two to three weeks. Motor function, measured with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and pain, assessed with the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale, were compared at first admission and at discharge. RESULTS: Motor function improvements did not differ significantly between the two groups(P=0.423) after therapy ended, but comparing motor function scores before and after therapy within each group showed significant improvement only for the intervention group (P=0.012) but not for the control group (P=0.110). No meaningful improvement in pain was observed, as most patients reported being pain-free before and after therapy. CONCLUSION: Despite positive within-subject findings in the intervention group, superiority could not be fully concluded due to the limited sample size and missing between-group differences. A larger clinical trial is recommended to better assess effectiveness.