Year: 2026 | Month: January | Volume: 13 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 260-270
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260125
Facilitating Neuroplasticity in Stroke: A Single-Patient Case Report Using Action Observation Therapy
Khanak Pal1, Sumedha Rabra (PT)2
1Physiotherapy Intern, Department of Physiotherapy, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
2Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
Corresponding Author: Sumedha Rabra (PT)
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability, frequently resulting in persistent motor impairments, reduced balance, and dependence in activities of daily living. Enhancing neuroplasticity through task-specific and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies is essential for functional recovery. Action Observation Therapy (AOT), based on the mirror neuron system, has emerged as a promising adjunct to conventional physiotherapy for post-stroke motor relearning.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Action Observation Therapy combined with conventional physiotherapy in improving motor function, balance, and functional independence in a patient with post-stroke hemiparesis.
Methodology: This study is a single-patient case report of a 52-year-old female with right-sided hemiparesis following a left middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. The patient underwent a 4-week physiotherapy program incorporating daily Action Observation Therapy (30 minutes/session) along with task-specific training, strengthening, balance, and gait training. Outcome measures assessed pre- and post-intervention included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment–Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).
Results: After 4 weeks of intervention, the patient demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures. FMA-UE scores improved from 28 to 44, WMFT from 1.5 to 3.1, MBI from 55 to 80, and BBS from 32 to 44. Improvements were also observed in range of motion, muscle strength, voluntary motor control, balance, and performance of activities of daily living.
Conclusion: The findings of this case report suggest that Action Observation Therapy, when integrated with conventional physiotherapy, can effectively facilitate neuroplasticity and enhance motor recovery, balance, and functional independence in post-stroke rehabilitation. AOT is a low-cost, feasible, and patient-centered intervention that can serve as a valuable adjunct in clinical neurorehabilitation practice.
Keywords: Stroke rehabilitation; Action Observation Therapy; Neuroplasticity; Hemiparesis; Physiotherapy; Motor recovery; Activities of daily living; Mirror neuron system
[PDF Full Text]