Jae-Shin Lee

Simple and Task-oriented Mirror Therapy for Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Objective/Background To compare the effects of simple and task-oriented mirror therapies on upper extremity function in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods A single-subject, reversal (applied behaviour analysis) research design was used, and the study included four patients and two treatments. Treatment 1 involved simple mirror therapy that was performed using simple upper limb movements. Treatment 2 involved task-oriented mirror therapy that required each patient to perform functional movements associated with the tasks of daily living. Changes in upper extremity function were assessed during 23 sessions using box and block test, cube carry, and card turning tests. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity function was also performed. Results The upper extremity function of all patients increased after mirror therapy. However, the improved upper extremity function of the patients undergoing simple mirror therapy was not maintained after the conclusion of the therapy. By contrast, the improved upper extremity function of the patients receiving task-oriented mirror therapy continued to improve, even after therapy cessation. Conclusion Task-oriented mirror therapy in stroke patients provided more effective improvement in the upper extremity function of the hemiplegic stroke victims.

Effects of interactive metronome training on upper extremity function, ADL and QOL in stroke patients

BACKGROUND Rhythm and timing training is stimulation that substitutes for a damaged function controls muscular movement or temporal element, which has positive impacts on the neurological aspect and movement of the brain. OBJECTIVE This study is to assess the changes caused by rhythm and timing training using an interactive metronome (IM) on upper extremity function, ADL and QOL in stroke patients. METHODS In order to assess the effects of IM training, a group experiment was conducted on 30 stroke patients. Twelve sessions of IM training were provided for the experimental group three times a week for four weeks, while the control group was trained with a Bilateral arm Self-Exercise (BSE) for the same period. Both groups were evaluated by pre- and post-tests through MFT, MAL, K-MBI and SS-QOL. RESULT There were more statistically significant differences (<0.05) in the total score of MFT and the finger control item in the IM Group than in the BSE Group. With respect to ADL, there were more statistically significant differences (<0.05) in the total score of K-MBI and the dressing item in the IM Group than in the BSE Group. CONCLUSION The study proposes that IM training can be applied as an occupational therapy program in patients with various diseases who need to adjust the time for performing movements as well as stroke patients.