Abstract: Objective To systematically summarize the effects of mirror therapy on upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living after stroke.Methods The literatures about mirror therapy published between January, 2006 and May, 2016 were recalled from Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, OT seeker, PEDro, Wanfang and CNKI databases. The randomized control trials were included, and those didn't concern upper extremity motor function and activities of daily living were excluded. The data were extracted and analysed with RevMan 5.3.Results Fourteen trials were included. Mirror therapy could significantly improve Fugl-Meyer Assessment score (SMD=0.81, 95%CI=0.43-1.20, P<0.001, I2=64%). Subgroups analysis indicated movement based mirror therapy was more effective on mild to moderate hemiplegia (SMD=0.96, 95%CI=0.59~1.34, P<0.001, I2=51%) and the subgroup differences were also significant (P=0.004). Mirror therapy could improve score of Action Research Arm Test (SMD=0.33, 95%CI=0.01-0.64, P=0.040, I2=0), Box and Block Test (SMD=0.70, 95%CI=0.03-1.37, P=0.040, I2=62%) and Brunstrom stages (SMD=1.56, 95%CI=1.07-2.06, P<0.001, I2=41%) of affected upper extremities. It could also improve activities of daily living (SMD=0.93, 95%CI=0.62-1.24, P<0.001, I2=0). No evidence revealed mirror therapy could change muscle tone of flexors of affected upper limbs (SMD=-0.22, 95%CI=-0.73-0.28, P=0.890, I2=0).Conclusion Mirror therapy can significantly improve upper extremity motor function and activity of daily living.

Key words: stroke, mirror therapy, upper extremity, motor function, activity of daily living, Meta-analysis