Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy as an Occupational Therapy Intervention for Stroke Rehabilitation

 Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy as an Occupational Therapy Intervention for Stroke Rehabilitation

 "Every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke. For many, recovery feels slow, painful, and uncertain. But what if a $10 mirror could unlock part of the brain’s hidden healing potential?"

Evidence-based points

1. Mirror therapy (MT) is a cost-effective and accessible rehabilitation technique that uses visual feedback from the unaffected limb to promote motor recovery after stroke.

2. Evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews shows that MT:

• Significantly improves upper and lower limb motor function, balance, and activities of daily living compared to conventional therapy alone.
• Reduces spasticity and supports recovery even in patients with severe paralysis.

Practical applications

1. Integration into Routine Rehabilitation: Mirror therapy (MT) can be easily incorporated into existing stroke rehabilitation programs.

2. Accessibility: Requires minimal equipment, making it easy for use in clinical, community, and home-based settings.

3. Patient Empowerment: Enables patients to engage in self-directed practice, increasing therapy intensity and promoting active participation in recovery.

Resources for Audience (live links)

1. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXB4TrbVRco 

2. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ItIQRYpGBmM 

 

Morgan Berthiaume is a senior at Westfield State University and will be graduating in the spring of May 2026 with a Movement Science degree and with a concentration in Sports Medicine. After graduation Morgan will be continuing her studies in a graduate program for Occupational Therapy. 

References