title: Mental practice and mirror therapy associated with conventional physical therapy training on the hemiparetic upper limb in poststroke rehabilitation: a preliminary study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The presence of sensory and motor deficits is common in patients post stroke. Mental practice (MP) and mirror therapy (MT) can be used as therapeutic techniques for poststroke rehabilitation. Important results have been demonstrated, although they have not established the patients' functional gain or related results of muscle electromyographic (EMG) data to functionality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to investigate EMG activity and sensory, motor, and functional performance in hemiparetic limbs of patients with stroke after intervention with MP and MT associated with conventional physical therapy training (CPTT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven patients were treated twice weekly during 8 weeks with MP and MT associated with CPTT of the affected upper limb. The Fugl-Meyer scale and the Barthel Index (BI) were applied to assess sensorimotor ability and independence of patients. Activation of the upper trapezius, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, flexor carpi ulnaris, and extensor carpi radialis was evaluated by means of EMG symmetry index and muscle co-activation measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were statistically significant differences between pre- and postassessment findings for the motor, sensory, and mobility domains of the Fugl-Meyer scale, as well as for BI evaluation. No statistically significant differences were observed when the pre- and posttest symmetry and co-activation data were compared, although there were qualitative changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The protocol was effective for improving motor, sensory, and mobility aspects, as well as function involved in activities of daily living. Qualitative changes in symmetry and muscle co-contraction were found, indicating a possible improvement in upper limb rehabilitation of patients with stroke.
authors.affiliation: Master's program in Physical Education, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Almeida Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cintia Dos Santos Vieira
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luciane Fernanda
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Rodrigues Martinho Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lislei Jorge
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Patrizzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferreira de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luciane Aparecida
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Pascucci Sande de Souza
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D010291:Paresis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: electromyography; rehabilitation; stroke; upper limb extremity