The effects of mirror neuron system-based self-observation training on lower limb muscle activity and dynamic balance in patients with chronic stroke.
Young-Lan Son, Jae-Woon Kim
PMID 30349157WHAT IT FOUND
Adding video self-observation to general rehabilitation increased lower limb muscle activity and improved timed walking and balance tests more than general rehabilitation alone, in chronic stroke patients who could walk without assistance.
Key findings
01Patients who received video self-observation added to general rehabilitation had greater increases in rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle activity than patients who received general rehabilitation alone.
02Patients who received video self-observation added to general rehabilitation also had greater improvement in Timed Up and Go and 10-meter walk test times than patients who received general rehabilitation alone.
03Both groups showed within-group changes, so the comparison was against general rehabilitation, not against no treatment.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 20 patients, so the findings may not apply to all stroke patients. No follow-up was performed, so the duration of the effect is unknown. Only patients who could walk at least 10 m without assistance were included, so the results do not cover patients unable to walk unaided. Both groups received general rehabilitation, so the study tests self-observation as an addition, not as a stand-alone treatment.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that video self-observation alone caused the improvements, because both groups also received general rehabilitation. Do not assume the effects last, because no follow-up was done.