Systematic review of the effectiveness of mirror therapy in upper extremity function

Purpose. This review gives an overview of the current state of research regarding the effectiveness of mirror therapy in upper extremity function. Method. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies concerning mirror therapy in upper extremity. The included journal articles were reviewed according to a structured diagram and the methodological quality was assessed. Results. Fifteen studies were identified and reviewed. Five different patient categories were studied: two studies focussed on mirror therapy after an amputation of the upper limb, five studies focussed on mirror therapy after stroke, five studies focussed on mirror therapy with complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) patients, one study on mirror therapy with complex regional pain syndrome type 2 (CRPS2) and two studies focussed on mirror therapy after hand surgery other than amputation. Conclusions. Most of the evidence for mirror therapy is from studies with weak methodological quality. The present review showed a trend that mirror therapy is effective in upper limb treatment of stroke patients and patients with CRPS, whereas the effectiveness in other patient groups has yet to be determined.