Effects of Mirror Therapy on Lower Extremity in CP Children

Riphah International University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy

Treatments: Device: Mirror therapy; Other: conventional therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06673823

REC/RCR/AHA/24/sharmeen arif

Details and patient eligibility

About

A non-progressive condition that harms the developing brain both during and after birth is cerebral palsy (CP). It is a multifaceted syndrome marked by abnormalities in movement and posture, along with concomitant sensory-motor, cognitive, and behavioral impairments and seizures. CP can be divided into three types based on neurological classification: spastic, athetoid, and ataxic, impairments in motor skills and posture are hallmarks of cerebral palsy. Various strategies have been employed in motor skill improvement interventions. One of them, mirror-mediated treatment, works by stimulating mirror neurons in a specific region of the brain cortex. Mirror-mediated therapy involves the patient observing movement of his or her own limb reflected in a mirror, which activates mirror neurons. The application of mirror treatment improved gait capacity by elevating physical perception and balance ability. The purpose of the study will be to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy in lower limb hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Full description

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the effects of mirror therapy in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Data will be collected at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in Islamabad following ethical clearance. 26 patients will be enrolled in the study based on inclusion criteria. Patients will be randomly assigned into 2 equal groups for the study. Children in the control group will receive conventional therapy for 60 minutes, while Children in the experimental group will receive 30 minutes of mirror therapy and 30 minutes of conventional therapy, for 12 weeks, 3 days every week. The primary outcome will be measured by Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity scale (SCALE), while the secondary outcome will be measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). All gait parameters (stride length, step length, step width, cadence and foot angle) will be measured before and after the application of intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 27.0.

Enrollment: 26 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 6-12 years.
• Motor tone of effected lower extremity is 1 to 2 according to modified Ashworth scale.
• Patient with enough cognition to understand and follow instructions

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with any other neurological illness affecting their lower extremities (e.g., MS, Parkinson's, peripheral neuropathy).
• Patients with prior fractures of the lower limb (ankle or foot).
• Patients with other forms of musculoskeletal diseases such as severe arthritis, ankle surgery, leg length difference.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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26 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental group

Experimental group

Description:

In the Experimental Group, Mirror Therapy will be applied by covering any birthmarks or scars on the less affected lower extremity (LE) if they obstruct the child's view. The therapy will take place in a distraction-free environment to help each child maintain focus and concentration. A mirror, at least 35 × 25 inches in size, will be placed between both LEs, with the more affected LE concealed behind a black curtain, allowing a clear reflection of the less affected LE. The child will be instructed to observe the mirror image of their more affected LE for one to two minutes. To begin, the therapist will visually demonstrate the technique.

Treatment:

Device: Mirror therapy

Control group

Active Comparator group

Description:

In the Control Group, conventional therapy will include exercises such as stride standing to allow weight shifting between extremities, single leg standing, stooping and recovering from a standing position, standing on a balance board, and various balance training exercises. Additionally, the program will incorporate stretching exercises for the hip flexors, adductors, hamstrings, and calf muscles, along with gait training exercises conducted in an open environment.

Treatment:

Other: conventional therapy