Perception of task realism in mirror therapy activities for the upper extremity

Introduction Mirror therapy is an effective stroke rehabilitation intervention for upper extremity hemiparesis; however, there are no established protocols of specific tasks for use during mirror therapy. Identifying the most realistic tasks would help establish a protocol for replicable research studies. The aim of this study is to describe characteristics of mirror therapy tasks that appear to be most realistic to healthy individuals. Method Ninety-two healthy individuals completed 25 tasks and movements with their dominant upper extremity reflected in a mirror. Participants rated each task for its perceived level of reality, or naturalistic appearance of a bilateral task as reflected in the mirror, by completing a task realism scale. Nonparametric analyses were used to compare tasks/movements designated as simple vs complex, functional vs range of motion/exercise, and performed parallel vs perpendicular to the mirror. Results Tasks categorized as simple and range of motion/exercise movements performed parallel to the mirror were rated as more realistic than tasks categorized as complex, involving functional tasks, or performed perpendicular to the mirror. Conclusions The findings of this study could potentially increase the efficacy of mirror therapy. Further research of this precursory assumption is needed in developing a standardized mirror therapy treatment protocol.