Additive Effects of Brunnstrom Approach in Combination with Mechanical Vibration and Mirror Neuron Training on Upper Limb Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke- A Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Study Design: A single blinded randomized controlled trial. Background: Stroke is one of the most unpleasant and highly destructive neurological diseases which can be described as a condition that rapidly develops localized and generalized signs of disturbed cerebral functions; approximately 85% of stroke patients face a lot of problems with their upper extremity functions. Therefore, the present clinical trial was providing evidence of improving upper limb function in patients with sub-acute stroke. Purpose of the study: To investigate theeffects of Brunnstrom Approach in combination with Mechanical Muscle vibration and Mirror Neuron Training on upper limb functions in patients with sub-acute stroke. Methods: 20 Patients was screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria and demographic data collected from the eligible patients. Total patients was recruited with the age group between 40-70 years, and then randomly assigned into two groups: experimental Group and control group. Motricity Index and Fugl Meyer Assessment Scale were used be the outcome measures. The Experimental group was received Brunnstrom Approach (hand movement therapy), Mechanical Vibration, and Mirror Neuron Training, while control group received Mechanical Vibration and Mirror Neuron Training for 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Results: We found clinically significant improvement in experimental group in all outcome measures. Within group analysis improvement was significant in experimental group(p-value<0.05). But result of the study showed more clinical improvement in experimental group. Conclusions: This study concluded that when Brunnstorm Hand rehabilitation was added to combined approach of Mirror Neuron training along with mechanical vibration, the functioning of upper limb has been improved to a greater extent in patients with sub-acute stroke. Thus the sufferers could be more benefitted with this approach and can lead an independent life.