The variety of methodology in Mirror Therapy practice for improving hand function after stroke

Abstract Many studies have shown that a repeated exercises in the mirror visual feedback and motor imagery conditions may help to restore a lasted hand function in stroke patients. The evidence of effectiveness of mirror therapy is promising but the use of this method varies widely within studies. It has been postulated that there is a need to formulate basic rules of mirror therapy application with respect to different stages of stroke or severity of hand paresis. In this article the review of methodological variability of applying mirror therapy to patients after stroke has been presented. The review highlights the benefit effect of mirror therapy on motor recovery and activities of daily living after stroke.