Date of Award
5-1-2023
Degree Type
DPT Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Advisor
Michelle L. Gutierrez
Abstract
Objective: Common residual impairments of the lower extremity following a stroke include hemiparesis, inability or difficulty with walking, decreased walking speed, or decreased balance with ambulation. Mirror therapy is a recognized intervention for stroke rehabilitation that aims to facilitate functional motor recovery of a paretic limb. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of mirror therapy in combination with conventional stroke rehabilitation interventions on lower extremity function, gait and balance in hemiparetic individuals recovering from stroke.
Methods: A systematic search of the current literature was performed using MEDLINE, PEDro and PubMed to identify studies concerning mirror therapy for lower extremity motor recovery. The PEDro scale for clinical trials was used to assess the methodological quality of each study.
Results: Eight studies were included in this review. Data were collected in a summary table for narrative synthesis. Scores pertaining to lower extremity function, gait and balance from each study were grouped according to the specified outcome measures. Six studies measured lower extremity function as an outcome using the Brunnstrom Stages of Motor Recovery, the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment’s Lower Extremity Subscale. Seven studies measured gait as an outcome using the 10-Meter Walk Test, the 6-Minute Walk Test, and spatio-temporal factors of gait. Five studies measured balance as an outcome measure using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test.
Conclusions: The results of this review demonstrate that mirror therapy in addition to conventional therapy is likely to improve lower extremity motor function, gait performance, and static balance following stroke. There is a potential benefit to the implementation of MT in combination with conventional stroke rehabilitation interventions for post-stroke motor recovery.
Recommended Citation
Tran, Van; Calvo, Mauricio; and Fairley, Valerie, "The Efficacy of Mirror Therapy on Lower Extremity Function, Gait, and Balance in Hemiparetic Individuals Post-Stroke: A Systematic Review" (2023). DPT Capstones. 22.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dpt_cap/22