Motor function improves in post-stroke patients submitted to mirror therapy.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Mirror Therapy (MT) on the motor function of hemiparetic individuals in the chronic phase of stroke. A quasi experimental study was performed with convenience sample. The sample was composed of eight hemiparetic individuals with unilateral stroke in the chronic phase (55,5 anos±10,8), who were submitted to evaluation of the upper extremity (UE) motor function (Fugl-Meyer Scale). The intervention protocol consisted of twelve MT sessions performed three times per week, for four weeks. The data were analysed between pre and post intervention in relation to the total score of Fugl-Meyer Scale and all of its domains for the UE, with t´student test. It was observed significant improvement of motor function in the total score (pre 41,75±15,87, post 48,75±14,33, p=0,002), and in domains of passive movement (pre 21,25±3,91, post 23,38±1,40, p=0,049), movement with and without synergy (pre 6,38±4,24, post 7,38±4,77, p=0,018), and wrist control (pre 4,88±2,99, post 7±3,16, p=0,003). It was concluded that the MT significantly improved the motor function of the paretic UE in patients with chronic sequels of stroke.