Mirror therapy for patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pain and dysfunction of the shoulder and arm are prevalent among patients with breast cancer. This review aimed to evaluate current evidence regarding the effects of mirror therapy on pain, function, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer.

Five bibliographic databases in English and Chinese, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang were searched from inception to May 15, 2024. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of mirror therapy to conventional treatment were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effects of mirror therapy.

Four randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 311 patients with breast cancer. All included studies were scored six to seven on the PEDro scale, indicating good quality. No adverse events related to mirror therapy were reported. Compared to conventional treatment, mirror therapy demonstrated significantly reduced pain (SMD: − 1.17, 95% CI: − 1.64 to − 0.70, p < 0.001), improved upper extremity function (SMD: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.05–2.02, p = 0.04), and enhanced quality of life (SMD: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.07–0.79, p = 0.02).

Mirror therapy is feasible and effective for upper extremity pain and dysfunction following breast cancer surgery. Clinicians may consider mirror therapy as an adjunctive intervention for breast cancer postoperative rehabilitation to advance the quality of care.