Mirror therapy to improve hand function in spastic cerebral palsy children

Abstract

Hand function is one of the important functional activities of the human being to perform a daily activity. One of the impairments is hand function commonly observed in spastic hemiplegics. Spasticity is one of the major factors affecting children, as a result of increased muscle tone, that influences hand movement. Children become more dependent when hand function is impaired. Normal muscle tone is a prerequisite for moving the hand to activity for normal hand function. Hand movement improves by reducing spasticity, which in daily living activity helps the child functionally independent. The aim of this research is therefore to enhance the hand function by using mirror therapy in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. 46 subjects are studied and divided into two groups, namely the group of mirror therapy (Experimental) and the conventional group. The informed concern was taken from their parents. Conventional training was given to one group and mirror therapy was given to another group. Both groups were treated for 60 min/ each session, 5 days/week for the duration of 4 weeks. Modified Ashworth scale was used to evaluate spasticity, 9 hole peg boards were used to measure finger dexterity, Fegl Meyer assessment upper limb was used to assess changes in the motor improvement, and Upper Extremity Functional Index was self-evaluating questionnaire done my parents or caretakers. The independent "t" test was used to analyze the outcome measures, the effect of spasticity effect and ability to function by hand. The mean post-test values of all mirror therapy variables were better than those of the conventional group (p<0.005).  The study shows spasticity reduction and improvement in the function of the hand in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy using mirror therapy.