This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of MT on pain, disability, and ROM in patients with AC.
We searched PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception till September 2024. Two Independent researchers screened titles and abstracts, and two others screened the full texts. The Pedro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, and RevMan 5.4.1 was used to conduct the meta-analysis, using the mean change scores from baseline and standard deviation of change.
We included three trials with 88 Participants. Two studies were deemed fair, and one was of good quality. The analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the MT and the control group for pain (MD = -1; 95% CI = -2.31 to 0.3; P = 0.13), disability (SMD = -0.63; 95% CI = -1.5 to 0.24; P = 0.16), active flexion (MD = 11.09; 95% CI = -3.39 to 25.57; P = 0.13), active abduction (MD = 11.76; 95% CI = -2.24 to 25.76; P = 0.10), active internal rotation (MD = 7.45; 95% CI = -1.07 to 15.97; P = 0.09), and passive external rotation (MD = 16.19; 95% CI = -3.42 to 35.79; P = 0.11). However, the MT was favored for active external rotation (MD = 5.75; 95% CI = 2.41 to 9.09; P = 0.0007), passive flexion (MD = 18; 95% CI = 4.05 to 31.95; P = 0.01) and passive abduction (MD = 14.64; 95% CI= 8.47 to 20.8; P 0.00001).
Based on limited evidence, MT did not prove a clear advantage in reducing pain and disability but signs of improvement in certain aspects of ROM may suggest its potential to improve ROM in patients with AC. More studies are indicated for conclusive evidence.
The available body of evidence is at its early stages and, thus, inconclusive. However, the current findings indicate that MT may be used to improve certain ROMs in patients with AC.
Mirror Therapy
glenohumeral joint
