Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Dr. Kara K. Patterson
Abstract
Despite extensive rehabilitation post-stroke gait remains slow, variable and asymmetric. There is a need for simple interventions to improve lower-extremity motor control and walking ability. Mirror therapy is a promising intervention though little attention has focused on its use on the lower-extremities post-stroke. This thesis investigates the feasibility and potential effects of a bilateral lower-extremity mirror therapy intervention (LE-MT) post-stroke. A case series involving three participants, who performed twelve 30 minute sessions of LE-MT over four weeks, is presented. Session duration and number of repetitions completed improved over the course of the intervention indicating LE-MT post-stroke is feasible. Some cases demonstrated improved motor recovery of the leg and clinically meaningful improvements to gait velocity and step variability post-intervention indicating some potential benefits of LE-MT. Future directions will identify who may respond best to LE-MT, investigate the dose-response relationship and the underlying mechanisms of the observed improvements associated with LE-MT.
Recommended Citation
Crosby, Lucas David, "Mirror Therapy for the Lower-Extremities Post-Stroke" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2704.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2704