Using mirror therapy and electrical stimulation to improve movement in stroke patients
Effect of Mirror Therapy with Cutaneous Electrical Sensory Stimulation on Lower Limb Motor Functions in People with Stroke: a Single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if combining mirror therapy with electrical stimulation can help stroke patients improve their movement and walking ability better than using either treatment alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT03622879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining mirror therapy with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to enhance lower limb motor functions in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants will engage in task-oriented training while receiving these therapies, with the hypothesis that this combination will yield better results than either therapy alone or a control group. The approach aims to leverage visual feedback and electrical stimulation to improve motor function and walking ability by increasing cortical activity in the brain. The study will assess the outcomes over a defined period to determine the efficacy of this innovative rehabilitation method.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have had a single stroke within the last 6 to 36 months and can perform certain physical tasks independently.
Not a fit: Patients with additional medical conditions, severe visual deficits, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor function and walking ability in stroke patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of mirror therapy and TENS is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. have had a single stroke with ischemic brain injury or intracerebral haemorrhage diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography within the previous 6 to 36 months; 2. have at least 5 degrees of active ankle dorsiflexion in the antigravity position; 3. are able to walk 10 m independently with or without a walking aid; 4. are able to score 6 or higher out of 10 on the abbreviated mental test; 5. have no unilateral neglect, hemianopia or apraxia; 6. have no skin allergy (e.g. redness or itchiness to the electrical stimulation pads) to electrical stimulation or electrodes; and 7. are able to follow instructions and give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. have any additional medical, cardiovascular or orthopaedic condition that would hinder proper treatment or assessment; 2. have visual deficits that may hinder them from benefiting from the mirror visual feedback; 3. have receptive dysphasia; or 4. are involved in drug studies or other clinical trials.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: SSM Ng, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: SSM Ng, PhD
- Email: shamay.ng@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 2766-4889
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.