A review of research progress of mirror therapy in peripheral nerve injury

Background Mirror therapy, as a novel rehabilitation approach, has been widely applied in the treatment of various diseases, including post-stroke limb dysfunction, unilateral neglect, peripheral facial paralysis, complex regional pain syndrome, and childhood cerebral palsy. Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of mirror therapy in treating peripheral nerve injuries, expand the scope of diseases to which mirror therapy can be applied, and provide a novel treatment strategy for peripheral nerve injuries. Methods This study conducted a comprehensive search and analysis of relevant clinical research on mirror therapy for peripheral nerve injuries, providing theoretical and clinical basis for the application of mirror therapy in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Results Based on a comprehensive analysis of seven clinical studies, it can be concluded that mirror therapy (MT) has a positive effect on improving motor function. Conclusion Mirror therapy is characterized by its simplicity, economy and non-invasiveness. It is an effective rehabilitation technique for treating peripheral nerve injuries and is suitable for low-cost, long-term home-based rehabilitation. It can be combined with conventional therapies to jointly promote the recovery of motor functions and accelerate the plastic regeneration of nerves.