Combined Mirror Therapy and Soft Robotic Glove for Hand Recovery After Stroke
Effect of Combining Mirror Therapy With Soft Robotic Glove on Hand Function Recovery in Post-Stroke Hemiplegic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Baghdad
104 participants
Apr 8, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Post-stroke hemiplegia frequently results in impaired upper limb function, which significantly affects independence and quality of life. Various rehabilitation approaches have been developed to improve motor recovery, including mirror therapy and robotic-assisted training. Mirror therapy uses visual feedback to stimulate neural plasticity and enhance motor recovery, while soft robotic gloves assist repetitive hand movements and facilitate functional training. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effect of combining mirror therapy with a soft robotic glove on hand function recovery in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Participants will be randomly assigned to different intervention groups receiving mirror therapy, soft robotic glove training, combined therapy, or conventional rehabilitation. The primary outcome will assess improvement in upper limb motor function using validated clinical assessment tools. Secondary outcomes will evaluate functional hand performance and activities of daily living. The findings of this study may contribute to improving rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors and provide evidence for integrating innovative rehabilitation technologies into clinical practice.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Adults aged 18-70 years with first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by imaging (CT or MRI)
- Moderate upper limb motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity \[FMA-UE\] score 20-50)
- Ability to follow simple instructions (Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test, 6CIT)
- Ability to sit independently for at least 30 minutes
- Medically stable and cleared to participate in rehabilitation interventions
- Willingness to provide informed consent and adhere to the study protocol
Exclusion Criteria6
- Severe upper limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥ 3)
- Cognitive or psychiatric disorders interfering with participation
- Other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper limb function (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fractures)
- Prior exposure to intensive Mirror Therapy or Soft Robotic Gloves
- Visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular or other medical conditions that would prevent safe participation
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Interventions
Standard rehabilitation therapy focused on improving upper limb function in individuals with stroke
A rehabilitation technique using a mirror to create a visual illusion of movement in the affected limb to improve motor recovery after stroke.
A wearable soft robotic glove designed to assist hand movement and facilitate motor recovery in individuals with stroke
Participants receive a combined intervention consisting of mirror therapy and soft robotic glove training
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07467915