Mirror Therapy Preceding Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Cross-Setting Study
This proposed research is in line with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) Innovative Research Grant priority to address innovative treatment strategies for neurological disorders that are in desperate need of scientific scrutiny. Stroke is one of the major medical conditions that leads to long-term disability and causes a heavy health care and financial burden. To meet multiple needs of patients with stroke, hybrid interventions that combine different approaches and practices in different settings are needed based on the complexity of stroke. Our previous research funded by the NHRI has been published and translated to stroke rehabilitation. Extending our previous research, the investigators will study the benefits of novel rehabilitation regimens of mirror therapy preceding augmented reality as well as the effects of practice setting (i.e., clinic- vs. home-based settings). In line with the current trend for the development of mirror therapy, mirror therapy will be implemented based on the bilateral and unilateral approach. Augmented reality will be implemented as a means of exergaming with real-time feedback to motivate the patients with stroke for active participation. In addition, telehealth techniques will be used to monitor home practice. This research is innovative in the use of telehealth techniques that will meet the call for therapy outside of the clinical settings in the era of COVID-19 pandemic.
• a first-ever unilateral stroke ≥3 months
• age between 20 and 80 years
• baseline FMA-UE \>10
• no severe spasticity in any joints of the affected arm MAS \< 3)
• ability to follow the instructions of the evaluator and therapists (Mini-Mental State Examination Score ≥22)
• ability to stand in a step-standing position for at least 30 seconds
• ability to walk a minimum of 10 meters with or without a device
• no severe vision impairments and other major neurologic diseases
• ability to take part in a rehabilitation intervention program for 9 weeks
⁃ not participating in other studies over the study period and willingness to provide informed written consent.