Peculiarities of Complex Rehabilitation of Patients With Motor and Cognitive Impairments After a Hemispheric Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Purpose: Improve the recovery of the motor function of the hand in patients with cognitive impairment after a hemispheric ischemic stroke by using unilateral mirror therapy.
 Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the department of vascular neurology Uzhgorod central city hospital for six months of 2018. All patients underwent general clinical examination, neuroimaging examination, neuropsychological examination using a battery of tests, functional examination using Scandinavian Stroke Study Group Scale and The Modified Ashworth Scale, Scale for assessing muscle strength (Peak L. M. and Braddom R.), Hospital anxiety and depression scale, Modified Rankin Scale. Unilateral mirror therapy was carried out 3 times a week twice a day for 15 minutes, initially on the basis of the department further outpatient for 2 months. 
 Results: The study involved 56 patients, residents of Uzhgorod, have suffered hemispheric ischemic stroke. At the end of the treatment, the Scandinavian Scale of Stroke Scale Improvement Therapy and the muscle strength score were observed in patients in both groups; in the main group, the median score was significantly higher. The muscle strength score also showed improvement in both groups, but the arm function was probably better recovered in the group of patients using mirror therapy. After rehabilitation, muscle tone diminished in both groups, no significant differences were observed. The probable improvement of cognitive function in the main group, vizual-spatial, peripheral-visual perception and the speed of mental reactions was revealed. At the same time, reduction of depression in patients of both groups was established.
 Conclusions: the involvement of unilateral mirror therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with motor and cognitive impairment after a hemispheric ischemic stroke improves the motor function of the arm