Mirror Therapy for Lower-Extremity Hemiparesis: A Knowledge Translation Study Using an Educational Module to Change Physiotherapists’ Perceptions

• Published in: Physiotherapy Canada 2021-01, Vol.73 (3), p.218-225
• Main Authors: Roy, Noel, Daburger, Anna, Goodfellow, Natalie, Herr, David, Schramm, Michelle, Eng, Janice J., Louie, Dennis R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0300-0508; 1708-8313
• DOI: 10.3138/ptc-2020-0002

Purpose: Despite growing evidence that mirror therapy (MT) is effective for improving lower-extremity (LE) function in patients with stroke, it is not commonly used by physiotherapists. The purpose of this study was to determine whether change would occur in physiotherapists’ knowledge of, confidence in performing, and willingness to use MT for LE stroke rehabilitation after participating in a 1-hour educational module. Method: A convenience sample of physiotherapists working in neurorehabilitation was recruited for a single-group quasi-experimental pre–post study. Participants attended a 1-hour educational module on MT. Therapists’ perceptions of the use of MT were assessed by questionnaire before and after they participated in the module. A follow-up telephone survey was conducted after 3 months to determine how many participants had actually used MT in their practice. Results: Nine physiotherapists participated in this study. Statistically significant increases were found in their perceived knowledge of, confidence in, and willingness to use MT. At the 3-month follow-up, three participants had used MT with patients with LE hemiparesis. Conclusions: Therapists’ knowledge of and attitudes toward MT for LE stroke rehabilitation changed favourably after participating in a 1-hour educational module. The module also led some therapists to make a change in practice at 3 months.