In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect of mirror therapy on improving motor deficits in patients with stroke. The authors concluded that mirror therapy may be effective at improving motor function in these patients.
Some background
Patients with a previous stroke regularly experience physical deficits. These include problems with motor function in the arms and legs. This can have a negative effect on daily activities like walking, dressing or eating.
Mirror therapy (MT) is a type of rehabilitation where a mirror is placed opposite an unaffected limb. This gives the illusion of normal movement in the affected limb. This can stimulate regions of the brain responsible for movement and sensation. This can potentially improve movement in the affected limbs. The best way for mirror therapy to be most beneficial has not been fully defined, however.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed data from 62 trails including 1982 patients with stroke. Frequency and duration of MT were on average, 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. In the trials, mirror therapy was compared to a no-treatment group or a different therapy group.
Overall, MT was 53% more effective at improving motor function and 51% more effective at improving motor impairment than all other types of treatment. MT was also 52% more effective at improving activities of daily living compared to other treatments. This positive effect on motor function was true for both upper and lower limbs.
Some studies showed that MT was more beneficial in reducing pain. However, this was specific to patients with a specific type of pain called complex regional pain syndrome. This is a type of chronic pain in an arm or a leg that develops after a stroke.
There were no adverse side effects from MT.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that MT may be beneficial in improving motor function, motor impairment, activities of daily living and pain compared to other treatments in patients with stroke.
The fine print
Most studies had small sample sizes and lacked adequate reporting of how the therapy was carried out.
Published By :
Cochrane database of systematic reviews
Date :
Jul 11, 2018
