BACKGROUND: The improvement of the upper limb disability, which is mainly caused by stroke, is still one of the rehabilitation treatment challenges. However, the effectiveness of task-based mirror therapy (TBMT) on subacute stroke with moderate and severe upper limb impairment has not been deeply explored.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TBMT, in comparison to occupational therapy, in moderate and severe upper limb impairment by analyzing the motor function and activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients.
CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the combination of conventional rehabilitation treatment and TBMT is an effective way to improve the functional recovery in the upper limb stroke patients.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: TBMT is a therapeutic technique that can be used in subacute stroke patients with moderate and severe upper limb impairment.