The Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy to Improve Upper Extremity Motor Skills in Adults Who Have Sustained a Stroke: A Critically Appraised Topic
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Authors
Bishop, Rachel
Brem, Olivia
Flint, Courtney
Issue Date
2023-04-21
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Abstract
Millions of people have survived a stroke in the United States. The symptoms and impairments after a stroke present differently and depend on the location of the stroke. Occupational therapy is equipped to address these symptoms and impairments by focusing on functions that will allow the patient to engage in activities that are important to them. The occupational therapists create and utilize interventions that help the patient work toward recovery and independence within those activities. Interventions within occupational therapy's scope of practice consist of motor performance skills, body functions, sensory functions, among other client centered interventions. Occupational therapists use mirror therapy as a rehabilitation technique to increase the function of an arm that is affected by hemiplegia. Mirror therapy allows the stimulation of mirror neurons to provide input to the brain that the affected arm is moving. The patient is required to focus on the mirror as they move their unaffected arm while the affected arm is out of view. The parameters, setting, and longevity of effectiveness varies throughout all occupational practice. The purpose of this analysis was to critically appraise the effectiveness of mirror therapy for upper extremity motor skills improvement in adults (18+) who have sustained a stroke. The analysis showed that mirror therapy is effected as a solo intervention and in addition to traditional therapies after stroke. Additional research is needed to address the effectiveness of the intervention over time and specific parameters for therapists to follow to administer the greatest therapeutic outcomes.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University