Effects of Robotic Mirroring Training and Mirror Therapy with Robot on Unilateral Neglect, Depression, and Activities of Daily Living Among Patients with Subacute Stroke

Background Interventions for unilateral neglect have involved various approaches, notably the integration of robotics into clinical practice. Objective This study examined the effects of Robotic Mirroring Training (RMTr) and Mirror Therapy with Robot (MTh-R) on unilateral neglect, activities of daily living (ADL), and depression, and compared the effectiveness of the two interventions. Methods This study was a randomized controlled trial. Twenty-four patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to either the RMTr group ( n = 12) or the MTh-R group ( n = 12). Both groups received 30-min sessions, three times per week for five weeks, using the same robotic glove (SY-HRE12, SYREBO): the mirroring function for the RMTr group and pre-programmed passive movements for the MTh-R group. Unilateral neglect was assessed using the Behavioral Inattention Test–Conventional (BIT-C) and the Korean Catherine Bergego Scale (K-CBS). ADLs were measured with the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and depression was assessed using the Korean Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K). Pre- and post-intervention scores and between-group differences were analyzed. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in BIT-C and K-CBS scores ( p < 0.01). The RMTr group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in K-MBI ( p < 0.01) and SGDS-K ( p < 0.01), while the MTh-R group showed significant improvements in K-MBI ( p < 0.05) and SGDS-K ( p < 0.01). These results indicate reduced unilateral neglect, enhanced ADL performance, and decreased depression in both groups. Significant between-group differences were observed in BIT-C ( p < 0.01), K-CBS, and SGDS-K ( p < 0.05), confirming the greater overall effectiveness of the interventions. Conclusions While both interventions were effective, RMTr demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing unilateral neglect and depression.