Effects of mirror neuron activation therapies on functionality in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis

To identify the effects of mirror neuron activation (MNAT) combined or not with physical exercise (PE) in healthy older adults, on functionality, balance, gait velocity and risk of falls.

A systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases.

Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative analysis, and eleven in the quantitative analysis. All studies showed fair to high quality and the most frequent high-risk bias was "Blinding of participants and personnel". Compared to the control condition, higher improvement was shown in older people who received MNAT, on functionality (1.57 [0.57, 2.62], balance (1.95 [1.32, 2.572]), and gait velocity (1.20 [0.30, 2.11]). Compared to PE, MNAT combined with PE does not improve functionality. More studies are needed to assess MNAT effectiveness in the rest of the outcomes.

Neuron system activation through MNAT improves relevant abilities in older adults, with better results when including functional activities. However, the beneficial effects on these variables of adding MNAT to a PE program are controversial.