The influence of mirror therapy on functional limitations of hemiparetic patients: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of mirror therapy (MT) on sensory and motor deficits of hemiparetic patients affected by stroke, through systematic review. Method: A review was performed in the LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO databases, covering the last 12 years. The classification of articles was made through the PEDro platform. Results: This study included all five articles, clinical trials, and randomized controlled trial, which used MT in the treatment of hemiparetic patients. The scores of studies ranged from 4 to 7 by the PEDro scale, with an average grade of 6.2. Discussion: Some studies have shown that MT is beneficial to increase the accuracy, range, and speed of movement and other studies have indicated that there is a greater recovery and motor function in patients treated with MT. One study analyzed hemiparetic patients with acute stroke and with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPSt1), concluding that MT improves motor and sensory function. Conclusion: MT is beneficial for motor recovery, sensory-motor function, and decreased pain. Individuals affected by stroke require physical therapy and the amount of therapy can influence the motor learning and neural plasticity. We know the importance of intensive stimulation to increase the adaptive capacity of the central nervous system in response to experiences, and adaptations to repeated stimuli under various conditions. Thus, it is necessary to carry out new clinical protocols with different frequencies to show future results with reality in rehabilitation centers.