Mirror therapy combined with a soft robotic glove for improving hand recovery after stroke

Effect of Combining Mirror Therapy With Soft Robotic Glove on Hand Function Recovery in Post-Stroke Hemiplegic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will test whether combining mirror therapy with a soft robotic glove helps people with post-stroke hemiplegia recover hand movement better than mirror therapy alone, glove training alone, or conventional rehabilitation.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 104 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Baghdad (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Baghdad, Babylon)
• Trial ID: NCT07467915 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized controlled trial that assigns adults with first-time ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and moderate upper limb impairment to one of four groups: mirror therapy, soft robotic glove training, combined mirror plus glove therapy, or conventional rehabilitation. Interventions are delivered in outpatient rehabilitation sessions using standard protocols for mirror therapy and a wearable soft robotic glove to assist repetitive hand movements. The primary outcome is improvement in upper limb motor function measured with validated scales such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity. Secondary outcomes include functional hand performance and other clinical measures assessed over the study period at the Rehabilitation and Neurology Outpatient Unit in Baghdad/Babylon.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–70 with a first-ever stroke, moderate upper limb motor impairment (FMA-UE 20–50), able to follow simple instructions and sit independently for therapy sessions.

Not a fit: Patients with severe spasticity, major cognitive or psychiatric disorders, other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting the arm, uncorrected visual impairment, or unstable medical conditions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could improve hand movement and daily function more than conventional rehabilitation alone.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies report modest improvements from mirror therapy and from robotic-assisted hand training individually, but combining mirror therapy with a soft robotic glove has been less extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 18-70 years with first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by imaging (CT or MRI)

Moderate upper limb motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity \[FMA-UE\] score 20-50)

Ability to follow simple instructions (Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test, 6CIT)

Ability to sit independently for at least 30 minutes

Medically stable and cleared to participate in rehabilitation interventions

Willingness to provide informed consent and adhere to the study protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

Severe upper limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥ 3)

Cognitive or psychiatric disorders interfering with participation

Other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper limb function (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fractures)

Prior exposure to intensive Mirror Therapy or Soft Robotic Gloves

Visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses

Uncontrolled cardiovascular or other medical conditions that would prevent safe participation

Where this trial is running

Baghdad, Babylon

• Rehabilitation and Neurology Outpatient Unit — Baghdad, Babylon, Iraq (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Wafaa Hattab, PhD — University of Baghdad, College of Nursing
• Study coordinator: Mohammed Hindi Jaryan, PhD Candidate

Conditions: Stroke, Hemiplegia, Upper Limb Motor Impairment, Mirror Therapy, Soft Robotic Glove, Stroke Rehabilitation, Hand Function Recovery, Upper Limb Rehabilitation