Improved Motor Function in Persons with Hemiparesis Using Mirror Exercises

Hemiparesis refers to weakness experienced on one side of the body by individuals who have lesions on the brain. Improvement to this condition is possible due to the brain’s ability to rewire itself (neuroplasticity). It is the aim of this case study to determine if symptoms of hemiparesis could improve through the use of mirror therapy. Because this type of therapy is cost-effective and can be easily replicated, it could be a powerful tool for patients across the socioeconomic spectrum. The subject in this study performed three distinct exercises while observing the reflection of her strong hand in a mirror. The three exercises (hand-twisting, marble-moving, and finger-touching) were performed by both hands simultaneously. As a control, these exercises were performed without a mirror; as a subject, she did the same exercises while watching her unaffected hand in a mirror. Improvement was measured during monthly testing, when the participant performed each of the three exercises and was timed.  For testing, each hand was timed individually. Greater improvement was observed in the subject compared to the control. A   lthough the results of this case study cannot be extended to reach conclusions about the general population, its positive results can be used as encouragement to create new studies to be conducted with larger sample sizes.