Mirror therapy as a method of rehabilitation for stroke patients

Abstract

 Mirror therapy as a rehabilitation method for stroke patients. Stroke claims millions of lives every year worldwide. Its severity is  associated with the damage to important brain structures and severe disruptions of various physiological functions in patients, making the investigation of methods to alleviate the consequences of stroke relevant. The aim of this study is to highlight  the methods of mirror therapy, their effectiveness, and to examine some possible mechanisms underlying the positive effects  of mirror therapy on the recovery of limb functions. Materials and Methods. A review and analysis of literature data were  conducted. Literature search was carried out in Scopus and Pubmed databases. Technical implementation of mirror therapy.  Various three-dimensional structures are used to implement the method of mirror therapy, allowing the patient to perceive the  work of the working limb as the work of an immobilized leg or arm, which has a positive effect on the rehabilitation process.  In many studies, the effectiveness of mirror therapy has been demonstrated both in the chronic and acute phases after stroke.  Several hypotheses have been put forward by scientists about the mechanisms of the effectiveness of mirror therapy, suggesting  the activation of motor neuron centers and zones in the brain cortex. Conclusion. According to the results of numerous studies,  mirror therapy shows a sufficiently high effectiveness in the rehabilitation of stroke patients and improves their quality of life.