Visually induced kinaesthetic illusion combined with therapeutic exercise for patients with chronic stroke: a pilot study

Objective: Kinaesthetic perceptional illusion by visual stimulation (KINVIS) combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and conventional therapeutic exercise (TherEX) has been shown previously to enhance motor function in stroke patients with chronic hemiparesis. The aim of this preliminary study is to assess the effects of a repetitive KINVIS intervention combined with TherEX, but without NMES, on upper limb motor function of patients with stroke-induced hemiparesis. Design: A quasi-experimental study, with pretest-posttest for 1 group Patients: Ten patients with stroke-induced, chronic, severe upper limb hemiparesis. Methods: Patients were evaluated before and after a 10-day intervention, during which KINVIS and TherEX were applied for 20 and 60 min, respectively, for 5 days per week (Monday to Friday). Upper limb motor function was assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and resistance to passive movement in flexor muscles was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). In addition, the amount of use and quality of movement of the affected upper limb in daily life were assessed using Motor Activity Log (MAL). Results: Clinical assessments with FMA, ARAT, MAS, and MAL significantly improved after the intervention period. Conclusion: A repetitive KINVIS intervention combined with TherEX may improve upper limb motor function in patients with chronic stroke and severe hemiparesis.