Efeitos da terapia espelho na reabilitação do membro superior pós-acidente vascular cerebral

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy on functional recovery of the upper limb of patients with chronic sequels of stroke. In this case study with qualitative approach the sample was composed of three individuals with ages 51, 68 and 72 years. They were submitted to twelve treatment sessions during four weeks, assessed before and after the treatment period using the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Scale, and the Functional Independence Measure. As a result, a reduction of spasticity in two patients, and modest improvement in upper limb function besides functional independence of all patients were observed. It can be conclude that the use of Mirror Therapy produced beneficial alterations mainly in the degree of spasticity and motor function of the upper limb. It is still necessary carrying out studies with larger samples for more consistent results. Descriptors : Stroke; Paresis; Upper extremity; Rehabilitation.