Mirror therapy to improve hand function after acute stroke
Official title: Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy in Improving Motor Recovery and Hand Function in Patients With Acute Stroke A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07204067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding mirror therapy to usual physiotherapy helps people with a recent stroke regain arm and hand movement, reduce spasticity, and increase range of motion.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Malakand, KPK) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 17, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 17, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07204067 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 40–55 with a unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the past month who are medically stable, can follow verbal instructions (MMSE ≥ 24), and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bilateral strokes, severe cognitive impairment, visual field deficits or unilateral neglect, severe aphasia, severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3), major comorbid neurological or orthopedic conditions, or those outside the specified age or time window are unlikely to receive benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with unilateral acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within one month will be randomized to receive mirror therapy plus conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy alone. Mirror therapy uses a mid-sagittal mirror to reflect the non-paretic limb and create the illusion of normal movement on the affected side, and it is integrated into standard inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation sessions. Outcomes include the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Motor Assessment Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity, and goniometric range of motion measurements. The trial is a pragmatic, single-center randomized controlled protocol to test whether early addition of mirror therapy improves upper-limb recovery in the acute post-stroke period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost, easy-to-deliver therapy could help patients recover hand movement faster and reduce spasticity when started early after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior randomized and nonrandomized studies have shown promising but variable benefits of mirror therapy for arm and hand recovery and spasticity reduction, so this trial builds on moderate existing evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40-55 years * Acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last 1 month * Unilateral hemiparesis/hemiplegia * Medically stable and cleared for rehabilitation * Able to follow verbal instructions; MMSE ≥ 24 * Provides written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Recurrent stroke or bilateral involvement * Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE \< 24) * Visual field deficits, unilateral neglect, or severe aphasia interfering with MT * Other neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's, MS) * Orthopedic conditions affecting upper limb/trunk * Uncontrolled cardio-respiratory disease limiting exercise * Severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in affected limb * Concurrent enrollment in other interventional trials * Inability/refusal to consent
Where it's running
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Riphah international University Malakand Campus
Malakand, Kpk, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Dr.Nadeem Ahmad, MS
- Email: n.ahmad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03451915105
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.