Effects of mirror therapy on spasticity and sensory impairment after stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
PM R 2023;
15:1478-1492. [PMID:
36787183 DOI:
10.1002/pmrj.12964]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To review and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) compared to active exercise-based interventions (ie, cross-training and conventional exercise) for reducing spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors. TYPE: Systematic Review and Metanalysis.
LITERATURE SURVEY
Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were searched.
METHODOLOGY
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated MT effectiveness in improving spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors compared to a control group.
SYNTHESIS
Fifteen RCTs (653 volunteers) were included. Spasticity improvements achieved with MT were similar to those obtained with cross-training (standard mean difference [SMD]: 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.43 to 0.68). In addition, when further combined with conventional exercise, spasticity improved similarly in both groups (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: -0.16, 0.36). Lastly, when MT plus exercise was compared to exercise alone, spasticity decreased in both groups (SMD: 0.16, 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.48). Nevertheless, none of the Interventions seem effective on sensory impairment (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.81).
CONCLUSIONS
MT is equally effective as other exercise therapies, such as cross-training and conventional exercise, for improving spasticity in stroke survivors, whereas none of the explored interventions yielded beneficial effects on sensory impairment. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm the results.
Collapse