The effect of sequential combination of mirror therapy and robot-assisted therapy on motor function, daily function, and self-efficacy after stroke

Robot-assisted therapy and mirror therapy are both effective in promoting upper limb function after stroke and combining these two interventions might yield greater therapeutic effects. We aimed to examine whether using mirror therapy as a priming strategy would augment therapeutic effects of robot-assisted therapy. Thirty-seven chronic stroke survivors (24 male/13 female; age = 49.8 ± 13.7 years) were randomized to receive mirror therapy or sham mirror therapy prior to robot-assisted therapy. All participants received 18 intervention sessions (60 min/session, 3 sessions/week). Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after the 18-session intervention. Motor function was assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Wolf Motor Function Test. Daily function was assessed using Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. Self-efficacy was assessed using Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaires and Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale. Data was analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in measures of motor function and daily function, but no significant between-group differences were found. Participants who received mirror therapy prior to robot-assisted therapy showed greater improvements in measures of self-efficacy, compared with those who received sham mirror therapy. Our findings suggest that sequentially combined mirror therapy with robot-assisted therapy could be advantageous for enhancing self-efficacy post-stroke. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03917511. Registered on 17/04/2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT03917511.