Virtual Reality-Based Mirror Therapy for Upper Extremity Function among Stroke Patients:A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

[Objectives]To investigate the evidence-based effect of virtual reality-based mirror therapy system(VR-MT)on upper extremity function among stroke patients.[Methods]A systematic electronic searching of the Medline,PubMed,Web of Science and CNKI was initially performed up to June 10,2024.The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using RevMan 5.4 software based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews.The random-effects model or fixed-effects models was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference(SMD).The subgroup analyses were conducted exploring theVR-MT type(immersive or non-immersive)and comparing with MT or control group.[Results]In total 8 studies with a total of 273 stroke patients were included in this review.The pooled analysis of these trials showed a statistically significant enhancement inFMA-UE scores(6 studies,SMD=0.72,[95%CI 0.37 to 1.06];P<0.0001,I^(2)=31%)and Box and Block Test(BBT)(3 studies,SMD=0.49,[95%C/0.05 to 0.93];P=0.03,I^(2)=0%),rather than Manual Function Test(MFT)scores(3 studies,SMD=0.38,[95%CI-0.09 to 0.84];P=0.11,I^(2)=0%)following the application of reality-based mirror therapy.Additionally,the subgroup analysis results indicated that immersive VR-MT can significantly improve FMA-UE(5studies,SMD=0.73,[95%CI 0.24 to 1.23];P=0.004,I^(2)=43%).In contrast,the overall effect of non-immersive VR-MT was non-significant(2 studies,SMD=0.33,[95%CI-0.69 to 1.34];P=0.53,I^(2)=72%).[Conclusions]In this systematic review and meta-analysis,our findings indicate that immersiveVR-MT has the potential to improve upper extremity function among stroke patients.

Effects of Mirror Therapy on the Lower Limb Functionality Hemiparesis after Stroke

Introduction: Mental exercise using the mirror therapy (MT) improves the retention of newly acquired skills and the performance of sequential motor skills in subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze the mirror therapy effect on the range of motion and the lower limb functionality in post-stroke hemiparesis subjects. Materials and Methods: Eleven participants with hemiparesis in the lower limb were subjected to the 10 sessions of a MT protocol. The interventions were three times per week per 30 minutes each day. Evaluation of active and passive ankle goniometry (dorsiflexion and eversion movements);Ascent and Descent Ladder Rate (ADLR);Time Up and Go test (TUG test);EFEI scale;and FAAM scale were performed. The data were collected before and after the intervention using MT, and then statistically compared. Results: The MT improved significantly (p < 0.01) the range of motion of the paretic lower limb both evaluated by active and passive ankle goniometry. An increase in the speed of gait and other functional tasks related to the paretic lower limbs were found through the TUG and ADLR tests. It also demonstrated a positive influence on the functionality of the paretic lower limb motor control through the analysis of the scores in the FAAM and EFEI scales. Conclusion: It is concluded that the MT therapy can help the patients with post-stroke hemiparesis in the improvement of several functions. Probably, the mirror therapy would aid in the repair of the injuries in the cortical areas.

Effects of Mirror Therapy on the upper Limb Functionality:A study on the perception of Occupational Therapists

With the visual illusion of the mirror,Mirror Therapy,models the primary somatosensory cortex,cortical and muscular excitability,stimulating cortical reorganization and sensorimotor recovery.Studies have shown to be effective in improving motor function in short and medium term,in activities of daily living,in visuospatial neglect and in reducing pain,especially in patients with complex regional pain syndrome.Objective:To report the perception of Occupational Therapists regarding the application of Mirror Therapy in professional practice.Specifically,what factors lead to its application,what are the effects and benefits of the technique,what are its advantages and limitations.Results:In the perception of Occupational Therapists,the Mirror Therapy technique has the following benefits:significant decrease in pain,improved sensitivity and functionality of the upper limb,unblocking movements in the affected limb,decreased phantom pain;as negative aspects:difficulties in spatial/environmental control,patient's perceptual/cognitive skills,high level of concentration/attention,absence of scientific evidence in neurological conditions.Conclusion:For the interviewed Occupational Therapists,the Mirror Therapy is a safe and useful technique to be applied in your professional practice that has been showing positive results in the functional recovery of patients,however,it lacks studies that identify the appropriate time to start its application and the explanation of an intervention protocol.

Motor Response of Mirror Therapy after Reconstruction of Extensor Mechanism Caused by Glass Cut Injury

Treatment by mirror therapy (MT) restores motion in injured limbs without invasive procedures. This process is widely accepted for rehabilitating patients with phantom limb pain, stroke victims, or patients who need therapy after nerve damage. The procedure is specifically useful in restoring motion to the hand after surgical repairs to the extensor muscle and tendons. Mirror therapy rewires the brain by making the restored limb remember hand motions by observing the motions of a normal hand. The concept of a mirror image is that the movement of the uninjured arm forms the illusion of the same movement in the affected arm. Efforts to repeat hand movements elicit the same reaction in the affected hand in what is referred to as Hebbian learning. This case study evaluated MT’s effectiveness in motion restoration after a glass injury. This case study showed restoration of normal hand motions in a patient following surgery to repair a glass cut to the arm. Surgery repaired the lacerated extensor tendon and radial nerve. The muscle belly was repaired, and a graft fixed the nerve gap. Once the arm healed, the patient underwent rehabilitation in mirror therapy to restore normal function in his hand. After conducting mirror therapy, the pain was eliminated, and the patient restored normal function of moving the hand and finger extension. In addition, the therapy could be conducted at home without needing a professional. The effectiveness of mirror therapy was seen in the functional restoration of hand and finger movement. The process is also less complicated as it can be performed at home.