Efficacy of mirror neuron system‐based therapy for rehabilitation of upper limb orthopedic conditions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to assess the efficacy of mirror neuron system‐based therapy for managing pain and improving motor and upper limb function in patients with upper limb orthopedic conditions. Literature Survey Systematic bibliographical searches of the PubMed, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL registries and databases up to September 2023 were conducted to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of mirror neuron system‐based therapy for rehabilitation of upper limb orthopedic conditions. Methodology Two reviewers assessed the RCTs using a Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool and extracted data from studies with similar outcome measures in the domains of pain, motor function, or functional score, which were pooled into meta‐analyses. Synthesis The review included 13 studies to compare the efficacy of mirror neuron system‐based therapy with that of conventional rehabilitation programs. The therapy reduced pain intensity (mean difference [MD] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–2.63) and kinesiophobia (MD 8.43, 95% CI 6.98 to 9.88), and increased grip strength (MD 1.86, 95% CI 0.28–3.45). The therapy also improved upper limb functional outcomes as assessed by the 30‐item Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score (MD 13.52, 95% CI 10.63–16.41). However, the outcomes as assessed by the 11‐item Quick DASH questionnaire and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were not superior to conventional rehabilitation. Conclusions Mirror neuron system‐based therapy for rehabilitation of upper limb orthopedic conditions may reduce pain intensity and kinesophobia, and improve grip strength and DASH scores compared with conventional rehabilitation programs. However, this interpretation is limited by the heterogeneity and various quality of the RCTs included in our meta‐analysis.