Mirror Therapy and Action Observation Therapy on Upper Limb Sensory Motor Recovery and Quality of Life in Subacute Stroke Patients

Mirror Therapy involves placing a mirror in the patient's midsagittal plane to reflect movements of the unaffected upper limb, creating a visual illusion of movement in the paretic limb. Patients perform bilateral symmetrical movements while focusing on the mirror reflection, helping to stimulate motor cortex activation and promote neuroplasticity. Sessions last 30 minutes, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. This intervention is delivered in addition to standard stroke rehabilitation.

Action Observation Therapy consists of observing video demonstrations of functional upper limb movements, followed by the patient imitating the observed actions. Each session includes 15 minutes of watching goal-directed tasks and 15 minutes of active execution. This therapy aims to activate the mirror neuron system and enhance motor recovery. The protocol is administered 5 days per week for 6 weeks and is combined with routine stroke rehabilitation practices.