Research

Two studies that I looked at regarding mirror therapy following a stroke were 1. Systematic review of the effectiveness of mirror therapy in upper extremity function. Written by Ezendam, Bongers & Jannink, 2009; and 2. Mirror therapy improves hand function in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Article one state its findings as “All studies showed a positive result of mirror therapy. The positive result was based on a combination score given by two neurologists and subjective comments.”(Ezendam, Bongers & Jannink, 2009)

Article two state its findings as “Mirror therapy, in addition to conventional therapy, improved hand function in patients with severe hemiparesis both post-treatment and at six month follow-up.” (Yavuzer et al, 2008)

Both of these studies show that mirror therapy has the potential to be an effective tool used to increase function for people with hemiparesis following a stroke. We also need to be mindful that mirror therapy is a relatively new concept which requires more research to be certain of its effectiveness.


Ezendam, D., Bongers, R. M., & Jannink, M. J. (2009). Systematic review of the effectiveness of mirror therapy in upper extremity function. Disability and Rehabilitation, 31(26), 2135-2149.

Yavuzer, G., Selles, R., Sezer, N., Sütbeyaz, S., Bussmann, J. B., Köseoglu, F., & Atay, M. (2008). Mirror therapy improves hand function in subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 393-398.