Effects of Mirror Therapy on Lower-limb Motor, Balance and Walking after Stroke: A Meta-analysis / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the effect of mirror therapy on lower-limb motor, balance and walking of stroke patients. Methods:Randomized controlled trails (RCTs) about mirror therapy for lower limb function after stroke were recalled in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Medline complete, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP and CBMdisc. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software for eligible RCTs. Results:A total of twelve studies were retrieved, including 590 patients. Mirror therapy improved the scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (MD = 6.67, 95%CI 5.60 to 7.74; Z = 12.20, P < 0.001), Brunnstrom stages (MD = 0.55, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.82; Z = 3.98, P < 0.001), Berg Balance Scale (MD = 3.45, 95%CI 1.40 to 5.50; Z = 3.30, P = 0.001), mini-BESTest (MD = 1.49, 95%CI 0.65 to 2.33; Z = 3.48, P < 0.001), Brunnel Balance Assessment (MD = 0.66, 95%CI 0.10 to 1.22; Z = 2.32, P = 0.02). However, it was not significant for 10-meter Walking Test (MD = 0.03, 95%CI -0.04 to 0.11; Z = 0.88, P = 0.38) and Timed "Up and Go" Test (MD = -1.43, 95%CI-4.31 to 1.45; Z = 0.97, P = 0.33). Conclusion:Mirror therapy can improve lower extremity motor function after stroke significantly, and somehow for balance. Further research is needed to explore its effects on walking.