A new approach in neurorehabilitation - the role of the mirror neuron system

Abstract

Even in nations with well-established comprehensive strategy with the aim to achieve full coverage to rehabilitation, half of the stroke patients remain dependent on activities of daily living (ADL) 3 months post stroke. Therefore, in the last few years part of the scientific community is increasingly focusing on development of innovative therapeutic concepts to increase effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation. In the following article we discuss a new approach in recovery of stroke patients with the use of a mirror. A mirror is positioned orthogonally in front of a patient. The less-affected arm is moved while the patient is observing this movement in the mirror. The illusion is created that the affected arm is moving. Despite the enthusiastic response that mirror therapy has received, not every stroke patient benefits from mirror therapy. This circumstance reflects that an individualised therapy approach is necessary for an effective rehabilitation regime of stroke patients.