How often and long should mirror therapy be performed according to stroke rehabilitation guidelines?

Mirror therapy has been established as an effective treatment technique in stroke rehabilitation, particularly for addressing motor deficits resulting from hemiparesis. According to rehabilitation guidelines, the recommended frequency and duration of mirror therapy is once daily for at least 10 minutes.

This approach allows patients to engage with the unaffected limb while observing its reflection in a mirror that replaces the affected limb. This visual feedback can help activate neural pathways associated with movement and perception, facilitating improvements in motor function over time. Conducting the therapy daily, rather than with greater frequency or duration, ensures consistency without overwhelming patients, which can lead to fatigue or decreased motivation. The focus on a minimum of 10 minutes balances effectiveness with feasibility, making the therapy accessible and sustainable for individuals in recovery.

Other options suggest either longer durations or different frequencies, which may not align with the most current evidence supporting optimal engagement without causing undue stress on the patient. Adhering to the established guideline of performing mirror therapy once daily for at least 10 minutes promotes the best outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.