This trial located in Italy aims to evaluate whether a graded motor imagery program is more effective compared to other treatments in stroke patients. The outcomes to be measured are movement , ability to detect light touch and sense of position.
The details
Stroke occurs when the part of the brain does not receive enough blood and becomes damaged. This can lead to loss of motor function (movement). The graded motor imagery program has been recently proposed for treating patients with chronic pain. It is suggested that this program can also improve stroke patients' upper limb movement. It consists of three steps: implicit motor imagery, explicit motor imagery (using pictures and images to improve patients ability to imagine movements) and mirror box therapy. These steps make use of visual images and mirrors.
Who are they looking for?
This study is recruiting 66 patients with ischemic (due to blockage of blood vessel) or haemorrhagic (due to rupture of blood vessel) stroke. Patients should have a mini-mental state examination (a test of brain function including memory, attention and language) score of 23 and above. Patients should not have any other brain or bones and muscle disorders affecting upper limb movement. Patients should not have significant levels of spasticity (muscle stiffness).
How will it work
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The first group of patients will undergo the graded motor imagery program. The second group of patients will undergo a standard treatment. Standard treatment includes motor training and occupational therapy. All patients will train for 2 hours each day, and 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Patients will be followed-up during and after the 4 weeks of treatment.
