Riassunto dello studio

Eight randomized trials including 314 adult stroke patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing simultaneous combination of mirror therapy and electrical stimulation to conventional therapy, mirror therapy alone, and electrical stimulation alone from the recovery of upper limb motor function. The pooled outcomes of interest included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for The Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) score, the Box and Block Test (BBT), and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Results revealed no statistical differences between the combined therapy group and the mirror therapy group (p=0.98) or the electrical stimulation group (p=0.37) in pooled FMA-UE scores. For pooled BBT scores, no statistical differences were observed between the combined therapy group and the conventional therapy group (p=0.85), mirror therapy group (p=0.25), or electrical stimulation group (p=0.84). Lastly, for pooled ARAT scores, no statistical difference was observed between combined therapy and electrical stimulation (p=0.51) groups, however a statistically significant differences in pooled ARAT scores was observed in favour of the combination group compared to the mirror therapy group (p=0.03).