EFFICACY OF MIRROR THERAPY IN POST-STROKE HEMIPARESIS REHABILITATION: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of permanent functional disability in adults, generating a significant socioeconomic impact. Hemiparesis, the most common motor sequel, often results in compensatory movement patterns, spasticity, and loss of upper limb function, which is the greatest challenge in rehabilitation. Mirror Therapy (MT) emerges as a promising intervention based on neuroplasticity, using a visual stimulus to induce the illusion of movement in the paretic limb. This article presents a detailed case study that investigated the effects of MT integrated with a conventional physiotherapy protocol on the rehabilitation of a 61-year-old female patient with right-sided post-stroke hemiparesis. The longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted over seven months at a school clinic. The intervention, performed twice a week, combined structured MT sessions with kinesiotherapy, muscle strengthening, and intensive functional training. Outcomes were assessed using validated instruments, including the Modified Ashworth Scale, goniometry, muscle strength testing (Oxford scale), systematic clinical observation, and functionality reports. The results demonstrate remarkable neuromotor evolution: reduction of spasticity from grade 3 to 2 in the wrist and from 2 to 1+ in the elbow; a gain of 20° in elbow extension range of motion; improvement in muscle strength, especially in extensor groups; and significant enhancement of function, with recovery of palmar grasp and pincer movement. Additionally, improvements in gait symmetry and independent walking capacity were observed. The analysis discusses that MT facilitates cortical reorganization in the lesioned hemisphere, possibly through the activation of the mirror neuron system, which promotes spasticity modulation and the recruitment of motor units. It is concluded that Mirror Therapy proved to be an effective and low-cost adjuvant tool, capable of enhancing the gains of conventional treatment, substantially contributing to the functional recovery, autonomy, and quality of life of post-stroke individuals.