Using Mirror Therapy in the Home Environment: A Case Report

Abstract OBJECTIVE. Mirror therapy (MT) is a potential intervention to improve function after stroke. How to apply this intervention in practice is not clear. This case report illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a self-administered home-based MT program. METHOD. A home-based MT program was practiced over 5 wk. The participant was encouraged to use MT for 30 min 5×/wk. Therapist contact occurred 1×/wk to monitor performance. An independent evaluator administered three outcome measures pre- and postintervention: Upper Extremity Sensory and Pain sections of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment; Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function, and the Manual Ability Measure–20. RESULTS. The participant engaged in a mean of 39.23 (±7.44) min of MT per day and used a variety of the recommended activities. Change scores indicated improvement on all of the included outcome measures. CONCLUSION. This case report suggests that a predominantly self-administered home-based MT program is feasible and effective at improving function after stroke.