Soft robotic gloves versus mirror therapy: a long-term comparative study on hand function and motor recovery in post-stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the long-term effects of soft robotic gloves (SRGs) and mirror therapy on hand function and motor recovery in post-stroke patients. METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized controlled comparative study was conducted on 49 patients with chronic stroke assigned randomly to either the SRGs or mirror therapy group. Both groups underwent an 8-week intervention alongside conventional rehabilitation. The Box and Block Test (BBT), hand grip strength, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Post-intervention, the SRGs group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in all outcome measures compared with the mirror therapy group (p = 0.004, 0.011, and 0.021, respectively). These improvements were sustained at follow-up (p < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.003, respectively). Within-group comparisons showed significant post-intervention improvements in both groups; however, the mirror therapy group exhibited no significant changes between post-intervention and follow-up (p = 0.197, 0.125, and 0.317, respectively), whereas the SRGs group maintained significant gains (p = 0.003, 0.012, and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that SRGs provide superior improvements in hand function and motor recovery compared with mirror therapy in post-stroke rehabilitation. The long-term benefits highlight the potential of SRGs as an effective intervention for promoting functional independence in stroke survivors.