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Mirror Therapy Versus Action Observation Therapy on Upper Limb Motor Function, Functional Independence, and Quality Oflife Among Chronic Stroke Patients

NCT07641803 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 76

Last updated 2026-06-11

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of Mirror Therapy (MT) and Action Observation Therapy (AOT) on upper limb motor function, functional independence, and health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Stroke-related upper limb impairment remains a major cause of long-term disability and reduced independence. Both MT and AOT are neurocognitive rehabilitation approaches based on activation of the mirror neuron system and promotion of neuroplasticity. Eligible participants with chronic stroke will be randomly allocated to either a Mirror Therapy group or an Action Observation Therapy group and will receive supervised interventions in addition to standard physiotherapy. Outcomes will be assessed using the Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke Patients (MESUPES), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). The study seeks to determine the comparative effectiveness of these interventions for improving upper limb function, functional independence, and quality of life among chronic stroke survivors.

Conditions

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mirror Therapy

Participants assigned to the Mirror Therapy intervention will receive supervised upper limb rehabilitation using mirror-induced visual feedback. A mirror will be positioned in the participant's midline, allowing observation of the reflection of the unaffected upper limb while the affected limb remains hidden. Sessions will include simple joint movements, functional tasks, and task-specific activities designed to promote motor relearning and cortical reorganization. Treatment will be delivered for 45 minutes per session, five days per week, for six weeks, alongside standard physiotherapy.

BEHAVIORAL

Action Observation Therapy

Participants assigned to the Action Observation Therapy intervention will observe videos demonstrating goal-directed upper limb activities and subsequently practice the observed movements under physiotherapist supervision. The intervention consists of an observation phase, guided imitation, and repetitive task practice to facilitate motor learning and neuroplasticity. Treatment sessions will last 45 minutes and will be conducted five days per week for six weeks in addition to standard physiotherapy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Lahore

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
45 Years
Max Age
75 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-02-03
Primary Completion
2026-03-19
Completion
2026-04-28

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07641803 on ClinicalTrials.gov