Brief Report  |   May 2014
Using Mirror Therapy in the Home Environment: A Case Report
Dawn M. Nilsen; Theresa DiRusso
Author Affiliations
  • Dawn M. Nilsen, EdD, OTL, is Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine (Occupational Therapy), Columbia University, 710 West 168th Street, Eighth Floor, New York, NY 10032; dmn12@columbia.edu
  • Theresa DiRusso, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, New York
Article Information
Complementary/Alternative Approaches / Hand and Upper Extremity / Neurologic Conditions / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Stroke / Departments / Brief Report
Brief Report   |   May 2014
Using Mirror Therapy in the Home Environment: A Case Report
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2014, Vol. 68, e84-e89. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.010389
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May/June 2014, Vol. 68, e84-e89. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.010389
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.