Mirror therapy vs CO-OP vs conventional occupational therapy with robotic balance training for stroke recovery
Comparative Effects of Mirror Therapy, Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance, and Conventional Occupational Therapy in Individuals With Stroke: A 3-Month Follow-Up Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will try three rehab approaches—mirror therapy, CO-OP, and conventional occupational therapy—each paired with robotic balance training, to see which helps adults 3–12 months after stroke improve movement, daily activities, and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bayburt, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07546864 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a randomized controlled design, 45 adults with subacute or chronic stroke will be assigned to one of three groups receiving either mirror therapy (MT), Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP), or conventional occupational therapy (COT), with all groups receiving robotic balance training as a priming intervention. Interventions run 4 weeks at five sessions per week, and a transfer package is used to promote generalization to daily life. Outcomes include motor and somatosensory function, occupational performance, activities of daily living, participation, self-efficacy, and quality of life measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. The trial compares the relative effectiveness of these approaches to guide clinical decision-making for stroke rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in the subacute (3–6 months) or chronic (6–12 months) phase who meet motor function thresholds (Brunnstrom stages) and cognitive screening (MMSE ≥24) without severe visual, orthopedic, or additional neurologic impairments are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with major medical problems or poor motor coordination, Wernicke's aphasia, recent botulinum toxin injections, severe psychiatric conditions, or significant cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify a more effective therapy combination to improve motor recovery, daily function, and quality of life after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown benefits of mirror therapy and CO-OP for motor and functional gains after stroke, but direct head-to-head comparisons combined with robotic balance priming are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \- Individuals diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke * Age 18 years and older * Subacute (3-6 months post-stroke) or chronic stage (6-12 months post-stroke) * Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stage ≥3 for upper extremity, ≥4 for hand, and ≥4 for lower extremity * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24 * No severe visual, orthopedic, or additional neurological impairments * Not participating in another study during the research period * Voluntary consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * \- Poor motor coordination or major medical problems that would prevent participation * Presence of Wernicke's aphasia * Botulinum toxin injection within the last 3 months * Psychiatric conditions that may interfere with participation (e.g., depression, ongoing psychiatric treatment, low motivation)
Where this trial is running
Bayburt, Merkez
- Bayburt State Hospital — Bayburt, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gokcen Akyurek, Associate Professor — Hacettepe University
- Study coordinator: NURTEN BİLGİN, PhD Student
- Email: nurtenncek@gmail.com
- Phone: +905546366542
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.