Mirror Box Therapy for Upper Limb Function With Stroke
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ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02276729 |
Recruitment Status :
Completed
First Posted : October 28, 2014
Last Update Posted : December 14, 2018
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Tracking Information | ||||
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First Submitted Date ICMJE | October 20, 2014 | |||
First Posted Date ICMJE | October 28, 2014 | |||
Last Update Posted Date | December 14, 2018 | |||
Study Start Date ICMJE | April 2015 | |||
Actual Primary Completion Date | May 31, 2018 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) | |||
Current Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE |
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Original Primary Outcome Measures ICMJE | Same as current | |||
Change History | ||||
Current Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE |
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Original Secondary Outcome Measures ICMJE | Same as current | |||
Current Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures | Not Provided | |||
Original Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures | Not Provided | |||
Descriptive Information | ||||
Brief Title ICMJE | Mirror Box Therapy for Upper Limb Function With Stroke | |||
Official Title ICMJE | A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of Mirror Box Therapy in Upper Limb Rehabilitation With Sub-acute Stroke Patients | |||
Brief Summary | Individuals who have sustained a stroke are often left with residual deficits of the upper limb such as impaired movement and sensation. These deficits restrict functional use of the limb in everyday activities and can result in increased dependency upon others to engage in some tasks. Regaining independence through functional use of the arm and hand is an aim of occupational therapy rehabilitation. Mirror box therapy (MBT) is a relatively new innovation being introduced into occupational therapy interventions. Some studies have reported it to be beneficial in upper limb rehabilitation, however, these studies have not involved a sub-acute stroke population. This pilot study aims to provide robust evidence, using RCT design, as to whether this type of therapy may offer greater potential in functional gains in the sub-acute recovery period of stroke than standard rehabilitation of the upper limb alone. | |||
Detailed Description | Introduction. Stroke is a major cause of mortality in the United Kingdom with around 111,000 people per year being newly diagnosed. Of the survivors, 50% will be left with significant, long-term effects including residual deficits of the upper limb. Rehabilitation of upper limb impairment rests with the OT who plays a vital role in enabling stroke patients to self-manage their condition and live optimally independent lives. Mirror box therapy (MBT) is a relatively new therapeutic intervention that is gaining recognition within OT for the potential it offers in rehabilitation of upper limb function in stroke patients. Based upon mirror visual feedback originally used in the treatment of phantom limb pain after amputation, neural recovery in the brain can be stimulated using mirrored movements of the non-affected upper limb. It is thought that visual feedback helps recruit dormant motor pathways that replace the damaged pathways and encourage the return of movement, thus mirror box therapy is thought to improve upper limb function through both movement and mental stimulation. However, existing studies are limited due to non- consistent participant post-stroke delay (ranging from 3-12 months). Few studies have included patients in the sub- acute period post stroke (0-3 months), a population considered most likely to benefit from this therapy at the early recovery stage. Aims and Objectives. The aim of this pilot study is therefore to explore the feasibility of conducting a fully powered randomized controlled trial of mirror box therapy for upper limb rehabilitation within a sub-acute stroke population. The objectives of the study are to:
Sample: 50 participants will be recruited and randomized into two groups (treatment n=25; control n=25) over a 2 year period of 1 January 2015 - 31st Dec 2016. Sample Size Justification: This sample size will allow us to estimate a standard deviation for the primary outcome, and allow us to estimate participation rate with a precision of +/-12.5% if, as we expect, the rate is in the vicinity of 75%. Randomization: Block randomization will be undertaken using a computer generated randomization list. Each block is estimated to run over a 16 week period. This will allow for recruitment of between 1-2 new subjects per week and assumes an average inpatient stay of 6 weeks. Group allocation will be concealed in consecutively numbered, opaque sealed envelopes. Intervention: Participants in both groups shall receive their standard OT treatment for upper limb rehabilitation for the duration of their in-patient stay, which is 3-5 sessions per week of approximately 45 minutes duration. This classic rehabilitation treatment is based upon neurodevelopmental theory using the Bobath approach of postural control and repetitive task training. Participants in the treatment group will be additionally required to perform two 20-minute sessions of mirror box therapy, five days/week for the duration of their in-patient stay. Also based upon neurodevelopmental theory, this treatment creates the illusion of perfect bilateral synchronization of repetitive task training by concealing the affected arm in a mirrored box that reflects the repetitive upper arm movements conducted by the unaffected limb. Control Group Intervention: Participants will receive standard Occupational Therapy intervention for this population in the sub-acute rehabilitation setting, delivered by members of the OT stroke team. This follows the documented protocol used within the Health and Social Care Trust and progresses through 8 phases from assisted to unassisted movements, gross upper limb movements to wrist and fine finger movement, using remedial and functional activities as well as ward-level rehabilitation. Treatment Group: Participants in the intervention group will be required to perform two 20 minute sessions of MBT, five days/week for the duration of their in-patient stay carried out under the direction of members of the OT stroke team. Sessions will be conducted at the patient's bedside or in the OT Department. Participants will be seated in a comfortable high chair and positioned in front of an adjustable height table. The mirror box will be positioned on the table in front of the participant. The participant will place or be assisted by the therapist to place the affected arm into the open end section of the nylon box; the mirror section will face the patient's non affected side. Follow-up data period: We will follow up the initial blocks at both 3 and 6 monthly intervals in order to collect longer term data for use on sustained functional gain as well as for use in economic analysis. We will attempt to follow up as many subjects as possible in the latter blocks at the 3 & 6 monthly intervals. Analysis: Participation rates to both the complete set of assessments, and to the paired baseline and discharge assessments will be estimated and reported. If compliance to the complete set is similar to compliance with baseline and discharge, then assessment every two weeks will be considered for the main trial. However, if compliance with baseline and discharge falls below 60% this will question the value of conducting a larger study. Differences from baseline at discharge will be analysed using ANCOVA, with baseline assessment as the covariate. The upper 90% limit of the estimated sd will be used in future power calculation. The data from multiple assessments will be analysed using repeated measures ANOVA, and the estimated within and between patient sd used in future calculation. Confidence intervals will be presented for treatment effects, and the upper 95% limits used to inform future planning. The qualitative analysis of the patient exit questionnaire will consist of thematic analysis and synthesis. Economic Analysis: If the subsequent main RCT demonstrates effectiveness of MBT, then analysis of relative costs and outcomes of the intervention will be demonstrable through a cost-consequence analysis using cost and outcome data gathered through the EQ-5D-5L and information relating to discharge destination and discharge care plans. Ethics and Data Protection: Ethical approval will be obtained from ORECNI and full research governance approvals before commencement of this project. |
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Study Type ICMJE | Interventional | |||
Study Phase ICMJE | Not Applicable | |||
Study Design ICMJE | Allocation: Randomized Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor) Primary Purpose: Supportive Care |
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Condition ICMJE |
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Intervention ICMJE | Other: Mirror Box Therapy
Mirror box therapy (MBT) is a relatively new therapeutic intervention that is gaining recognition within OT for the potential it offers in rehabilitation of upper limb function in stroke patients. It is postulated that mirror visual feedback can stimulate neural recovery in the brain using mirrored movements of the non-affected upper limb. It is thought that visual feedback helps recruit dormant motor pathways that replace the damaged pathways and encourage the return of movement to improve upper limb function.
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Study Arms ICMJE |
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Publications * |
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* Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number) in Medline. |
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Recruitment Information | ||||
Recruitment Status ICMJE | Completed | |||
Actual Enrollment ICMJE |
40 | |||
Original Estimated Enrollment ICMJE |
50 | |||
Actual Study Completion Date ICMJE | October 11, 2018 | |||
Actual Primary Completion Date | May 31, 2018 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) | |||
Eligibility Criteria ICMJE | Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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Sex/Gender ICMJE |
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Ages ICMJE | 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult) | |||
Accepts Healthy Volunteers ICMJE | No | |||
Contacts ICMJE | Contact information is only displayed when the study is recruiting subjects | |||
Listed Location Countries ICMJE | United Kingdom | |||
Removed Location Countries | ||||
Administrative Information | ||||
NCT Number ICMJE | NCT02276729 | |||
Other Study ID Numbers ICMJE | 165094 | |||
Has Data Monitoring Committee | No | |||
U.S. FDA-regulated Product | Not Provided | |||
IPD Sharing Statement ICMJE |
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Responsible Party | Dr Alison Porter-Armstrong, University of Ulster | |||
Study Sponsor ICMJE | Dr Alison Porter-Armstrong | |||
Collaborators ICMJE | Northern Health and Social Care Trust | |||
Investigators ICMJE |
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PRS Account | University of Ulster | |||
Verification Date | December 2018 | |||
ICMJE Data element required by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the World Health Organization ICTRP |