Digital mirror therapy versus conventional mirror therapy for arm recovery after stroke
Digital Mirror Therapy in Poststroke Rehabilitation: Efficacy and Patient-reported Facilitators and Barriers to Adherence.
This test will see if a digital mirror therapy program helps adults with chronic stroke improve arm movement more than conventional mirror therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07460128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blinded trial compares an augmented-reality, computer-vision–enabled digital mirror therapy program with conventional mirror therapy for upper limb rehabilitation in people more than six months after stroke. Participants aged 18–80 with moderate residual upper limb dysfunction will be randomized to receive either digital or conventional mirror therapy and followed for clinical motor outcomes and community integration. The study will also measure musculoskeletal physiology by recording upper-extremity muscle co-activation patterns and collect patient-reported barriers and facilitators to using the digital system. Exclusion criteria include other neurologic diseases, significant cognitive impairment, severe spasticity, or inability to communicate effectively.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18–80 who are at least six months post-ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with residual upper limb impairment (Functional Test for Hemiplegic Extremity Hong Kong levels 2–6) and who can communicate and follow instructions.
Not a fit: Patients with severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale >2), notable cognitive impairment (Abbreviated Mental Test - Hong Kong score <6), other neurologic diseases, or inability to express thoughts are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the digital approach could lead to greater arm function recovery and better participation in daily life by increasing engagement and sensory feedback during therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional mirror therapy has strong evidence for poststroke arm recovery, while small pilot studies of digital or augmented mirror systems report promising engagement and functional signals but lack large randomized comparisons.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than 6 months; 2. age between 18 and 80 years; 3. upper limb function rated at levels 2-6 according to the Functional Test for Hemiplegic Extremity Hong Kong Version Exclusion Criteria: 1. any concomitant neurological disease other than stroke; 2. signs of cognitive impairment, defined as a score below 6 out of 10 on the Abbreviated Mental Test - Hong Kong Version ; 3. or severe spasticity in the hemiparetic upper extremity muscles, with a Modified Ashworth Scale score greater than 2; 4. unable to express thoughts effectively through verbal speech or written language.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 1 other locations
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jack Jiaqi Zhang — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Jack Jiaqi Zhang, PhD
- Email: jack-jiaqi.zhang@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 27666696
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.