The mirror neuron system in post-stroke rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Motor Control

Background:

• Stroke often results in motor deficits, necessitating novel rehabilitation strategies.
• Cortical reorganization is crucial for functional recovery after stroke.
• Mirror neurons play a role in motor control and learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on mirror neurons, mirror therapy, and motor imagery.
• To explore their potential in promoting cortical reorganization and functional recovery in post-stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• Bibliographic research of publications over the past 13 years.
• Searches conducted in Scielo, PubMed/MEDLINE, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases.
• Focus on English-language studies related to mirror neurons and stroke rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• Interaction between vision, proprioception, and motor commands activates mirror neurons.
• This activation facilitates cortical reorganization and functional recovery.
• Mirror therapy and motor imagery show promise as therapeutic tools.

Conclusions:

• Advances in understanding mirror neurons can inform new stroke rehabilitation therapies.
• Mirror neuron research offers a rational basis for developing effective post-stroke treatments.
• Mirror therapy and motor imagery are valuable approaches for stroke recovery.