This study aims to compare the effects of mirror therapy combined with either neuromuscular electrical stimulation or binaural beat stimulation on post-stroke lower limb motor function recovery. The study also explores the relationship between patients' cortical excitability and motor function improvement.
First occurrence of stroke≧ 6 months
Mini-mental state examination≧24
Modified Ashworth's scale of ankle muscle ≦3
Sit independently≧30 mins
Speech impairment
Hearing impairment
Visual impairment
Other orthopedic diseases or nerve damage
Parallel
Mirror Therapy
Other interventionSitting, mirror place at the midline between the legs. Unaffected leg is placed in front of the mirror and perform ankle dorsiflexion exercises. Duration: 5 seconds, Rest: 5 seconds
Mirror Therapy + Electrical Stimulation
Other interventionSame as the mirror therapy protocol. Affected leg: electrical stimulation on tibialis anterior muscle. Frequency: 35 Hz, Pulse width: 250µs, Duration: 5 seconds, Rest: 5 seconds.
Mirror Therapy + Binaural Beat
Other interventionSame as the mirror therapy protocol. Listen to music (pink noise), with 14Hz binaural beat stimulation
Fugl-Meyer assessment, lower extremity
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower extremity is a scale used to evaluate motor and functional recovery in patients with conditions like stroke. It measures muscle strength, movement control, coordination, and balance. Scores range from 0 (no movement) to 34 (full recovery). Higher scores indicate better recovery.
Modified ashworth scale
The Modified Ashworth Scale assesses muscle spasticity in conditions like stroke or cerebral palsy. Scores range from 0 to 4 or 5, indicating the severity of muscle resistance during passive movement. Higher scores mean more severe spasticity. It guides treatment and tracks progress.
Timed up and go test
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test assesses mobility by measuring the time it takes for someone to stand, walk a short distance, turn, and sit back down. Faster times suggest better mobility, while longer times may indicate mobility limitations or fall risk. It's a useful tool to evaluate functional capacity and guide interventions for improved mobility.
The postural assessment scale for stroke patients
Higher scores on the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) indicate greater difficulty in postural control and stability after a stroke.
Barthel index
The Barthel Index assesses a person's ability to independently perform daily activities. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater independence.
Electroencephalography
Electroencephalography is used obtain power data of total μ (8-12Hz), lower μ (8-10Hz), and upper μ (10-12Hz). μ suppression→ a negative value (\<0) indicates inhibition of μ waves, indicating activation in the motor cortex(Bae et al., 2012).
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
