Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy and Mirror Mode of Hand Robot in Stroke (mirror_robot)

Upper extremity motor impairment is one of the leading causes of functional disability following stroke. Although conventional therapies promote some degree of recovery, restoring hand function remains a major challenge, particularly in patients with severe paresis. Mirror therapy has been widely used due to its affordability and portability. However, proprioceptive feedback limitations and the potential mismatch between visual and somatosensory input reduce its effectiveness. This study investigates an innovative approach that combines visual illusion and proprioceptive input using a robotic hand device in mirror mode. The robotic intervention is designed to synchronize joint motion with visual feedback, potentially enhancing the mirror neuron system's activation and promoting neuroplastic changes more efficiently than conventional mirror therapy. The study will be conducted over a 6-week period with stroke patients in the early subacute phase. Both groups will receive equivalent durations of upper limb training in addition to conventional physiotherapy. This trial aims not only to compare motor outcomes but also to evaluate whether motor improvements translate into functional hand use and to explore differences in somatosensory gains between interventions. By addressing both visual and proprioceptive components of motor learning, this research may guide future clinical strategies for individualized stroke rehabilitation.