Video-based training for rehabilitation of upper limb functions after stroke: A new treatment exploiting the mirror neuron system

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ferdinand Binkofski
• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2010 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 159418139

The major goal of the proposed clinical study is the improvement of neurorehabilitative treatment of motor deficits after cerebrovascular accident, one of the major causes of mortality and disability worldwide. In our treatment scheme, we will make use of the recently discovered principle of activation of motor representations and motor learning by action observation via the mirror neuron system. In the multicentre, open, three armed, randomized, controlled study with an independent rating of primary endpoints in a parallel-group design, 125 patients with early chronic stroke and arm paresis will watch short video clips with standardized activities of daily living and execute these activities directly afterwards (video-group). 125 comparable patients will do the same amount of exercise, but without the observation component (non-video-group), and 125 will receive only the standard treatment containing the standard physiotherapy (standard-group). We expect that the treatment group (video) will show the best recovery in comparison to the control exercise group (non-video) and that both will improve better than the standard treatment group (standard) as assessed by objective standardised motor scales (WMFT and MAL) as well as in standardized subjective self assessment (SIS). We further expect that the greater improvement of the video group over the non-video group will continue at the follow-up assessment (3 month, and 6 after end of treatment, respectively).

• DFG Programme: Clinical Trials