The effect of mirror therapy on hand functions, functional independence and activity performance in individuals with stroke

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of mirror therapy on hand functions, functional independence and activity performance in individuals with stroke. The study was planned as a prospective, single-blind and randomized controlled study. A total of 40 individuals, including the intervention (n=20) and control group (n=20), who received stroke treatment at AIBU İzzet Baysal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, were included in the study. Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTEFT) was used to evaluate hand functions of individuals, Functional Independence Scale (FIM) was used to evaluate functional independence, and Canadian Activity Performance Scale (COPM) was used to evaluate activity performance, and the results before and after the intervention were compared for both groups. A traditional occupational therapy intervention program was applied to all individuals (n=40) included in the study for 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 40 minutes a day. In addition to the traditional occupational therapy intervention program, mirror therapy was applied to 20 people included in the intervention group, for 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day. As a result, when the evaluations were analyzed before and after the intervention, statistically significant differences were found in all sub-scores of JTEFT, FIM total score, COPM activity performance and satisfaction in both the intervention and control groups (p<0.01). When Cohen's D effect size analyzes are examined; Higher Cohen's D scores were detected in the intervention group in all assessment scores, except for the scores of carrying light and heavy objects on the unaffected side evaluated in JTEFT and the self-care score evaluated in FIM. As a result of the correlation analysis in the intervention group, it was determined that there was a statistically significant relationship between JTEFT, FIM and COPM scores. It was found that there was a higher increase in hand functions, functional independence levels in activities of daily living, and activity performance levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. It is thought that the planning of occupational therapy interventions that include mirror therapy in people with stroke will be more effective in achieving goals such as improving hand function, independence in daily living activities, and activity performance.