Guess how many years before this makes it into therapy textbooks and curriculum.
http://nnr.sagepub.com/content/26/5/456.abstract?etoc
Abstract
Objective. A randomized controlled observer-blind trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of action observation as an add-on
treatment to the standard rehabilitation of upper-limb function, early after stroke. Methods.
Stroke survivors (N = 102) were consecutively recruited from 13 centers
30 days (±7) after a first-ever stroke and randomly
assigned to the experimental (EG) or control group
(CG). EG participants watched video footage of daily routine tasks
(actions)
carried out with the upper limb in order to prepare
to imitate the presented action. At the end of each sequence, a
therapist
prompted the patient to perform the same movement
for 2 minutes, providing help when needed. Static images without animals
or human beings were shown to the CG. At the end of
each sequence, the CG executed movements that simulated the shoulder
and
elbow joint mobilization activities performed by
the EG. Results for the Fugl-Meyer test, Frenchay Arm test, Box and
Block
test (BBT), Modified Ashworth Scale, and Functional
Independence Measure Motor items were recorded before treatment (T0),
after 4 weeks of treatment (T1), and at the
follow-up visit 4 to 5 months after the conclusion of treatment (T2). Results.
An improvement over time was appreciated on all measures of impairment
and functional ability with both treatment programs.
A Time × Treatment interaction emerged from the
generalized estimating equations analysis of BBT, showing significant
T0–T1
and T0–T2 differences in favor of EG. Conclusion. This multicenter trial endorses the use of action observation in upper-extremity rehabilitation, along with a role for the
mirror neuron system in poststroke recovery.
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