[Effects of mirror therapy on hand function in patients with orthopedic injuries]

Mirror therapy as a neural based rehabilitation technique, produces illusion of two healthy limbs for the brain. The aim of the present study was to determine effects of mirror therapy in restoring hand function in patients with active Range of Motion [ROM] impairments following orthopaedic injuries. In a randomised controlled trial, 30 patients with active ROM impairment [8 men, 22 women; mean age: 38 years] were measured. Intervention group received mirror therapy, 30-minute a day, 5 days a week for 3-week, as well, half an hour conventional rehabilitation after each mirror therapy session. Patients in the control group received the same treatment program, but instead of mirror, they directly observed the affected hand. Outcome measures including Total Active Motion [TAM], and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] questionnaire were given pre, and post treatment, and 3 weeks later. Trial is registered as a randomised controlled trial in Iranian Clinical Trial Registry, number NCT01503762 in http:/clinicaltrials.gov/. Final analysis was performed on 23 patients. The TAM and DASH scores significantly improved in the post-test in both groups, and improvement continued during the follow-up period; however, mirror therapy group exhibited significantly greater changes in the TAM and DASH scores than control [p<0.01], either at the post-test [154° vs. 62°; 34 vs. 15], or follow-up session [181° vs. 88°; 39 vs. 26]. Mirror therapy in combination to a conventional rehabilitation program produced more improvement in hand function compared with a control group which might be through activating neural networks inhibited after injury

[Determining optimal clinical measurement tools for early detection of people at risk of falling]

Balance is defined as the process that maintains the center of gravity within the body's base of support and requires constant adjustments that are provided by muscular activity and joint positioning. The aim of the present study was to determine the best clinical measuring tools of balance in comparison to laboratory tools. In a cross-sectional study, 60 persons [one half in 20-40 and the other in 60-75 year old group] with the ability of standing and walking at least 7 meters and without any chronic diseases were evaluated by Biodex system, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Lunge Test. Data analysis was indicative of significant and high correlation between Functional Reach and Biodex System in 20- 40 year old group and between Berg balances Scale and Biodex System in 60-75 years old group [P<0.001]. Also, there was a significant relation between increase in age and decrease in balance capability [P<0.001]. According to our results, the best clinical measuring tool that could replace the expensive aboratory tools of balance assessment is Functional Reach in young people and Berg Balance Scale for old people