Lin Qiu, BeiYi Ma, QinYi Yang, HuiQin Zhang, Lanshu Zhou
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Dysphagia is common worldwide. Mirror neuron-based swallowing interventions provide repetitive, neuromodulatory training that enhances both therapeutic accessibility and efficacy.
Objectives: This review systematically synthesizes the neural correlates and clinical applications of mirror neuron-based approaches in dysphagia rehabilitation, with a specific focus on the conceptual definition, neural correlates, and intervention characteristics of mirror therapy for swallowing.
Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase) were searched from inception to March 31, 2026. Studies were included if they involved adults (≥ 18 years), examined swallowing function based on mirror neuron theory, and were published in English. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction. Data were synthesized narratively.
Results: Nineteen studies encompassing 445 participants (aged 18-80 years) were included. Nine studies conceptualized mirror neuron-based interventions for dysphagia across three domains: interventions, mechanisms, and outcomes. Thirteen studies reported neural correlates, demonstrating that action observation, motor imagery, and observation-induced imagery of swallowing activate overlapping brain networks with those engaged during actual swallowing. Six intervention studies showed that two to six weeks of action observation, motor imagery, or their combination improved swallowing function and enhanced cortical activation in premotor and sensorimotor areas.
Conclusions: Mirror neuron-based intervention for dysphagia is a rehabilitation technique grounded in mirror neuron mechanisms. Neurophysiological evidence suggests the activation of swallowing-related neural networks, and interventional studies indicate its positive effects, particularly in post-stroke dysphagia.
背景：吞咽困难在世界范围内都很常见。基于镜像神经元的吞咽干预提供了重复的神经调节训练，提高了治疗的可及性和疗效。目的：本文系统地综述了基于镜像神经元的方法在吞咽困难康复中的神经相关性和临床应用，重点介绍了吞咽镜像疗法的概念定义、神经相关性和干预特点。方法：检索5个数据库（PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、Scopus和Embase），检索时间从建校到2026年3月31日。研究纳入成人（≥18岁），基于镜像神经元理论检查吞咽功能，并以英文发表。两名审稿人独立进行研究选择和数据提取。数据以叙述的方式合成。结果：19项研究共纳入445名参与者（18-80岁）。九项研究从三个方面概念化了基于镜像神经元的吞咽困难干预：干预、机制和结果。13项研究报告了神经相关性，证明了动作观察、运动想象和吞咽的观察诱发的想象激活了与实际吞咽过程中参与的重叠的大脑网络。六项干预研究表明，两到六周的动作观察、运动想象或两者结合可以改善吞咽功能，增强前运动区和感觉运动区的皮质激活。结论：基于镜像神经元的吞咽困难干预是一种基于镜像神经元机制的康复技术。神经生理学证据表明，吞咽相关神经网络的激活，并且介入性研究表明其积极作用，特别是在卒中后吞咽困难。系统评审注册：https://osf.io/yvqt5。
期刊介绍：
Neurological Sciences is intended to provide a medium for the communication of results and ideas in the field of neuroscience. The journal welcomes contributions in both the basic and clinical aspects of the neurosciences. The official language of the journal is English. Reports are published in the form of original articles, short communications, editorials, reviews and letters to the editor. Original articles present the results of experimental or clinical studies in the neurosciences, while short communications are succinct reports permitting the rapid publication of novel results. Original contributions may be submitted for the special sections History of Neurology, Health Care and Neurological Digressions - a forum for cultural topics related to the neurosciences. The journal also publishes correspondence book reviews, meeting reports and announcements.
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