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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 27871

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marco Tofani

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Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: disability; occupational therapy; rehabilitation; neurorehabilitation; outcome measures; assistive technology; migration; hand therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Giovanni Galeoto

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Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; rehabilitation in orthopedics and neurology; validation of measuring tools; rehabilitation; psychometric and outcome measures validity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric rehabilitation has undergone a continuous evolution in its visions and principles. The impact of cognitive functions on motor and behavioral development, as well as for mental health, has aroused great interest across the international landscape. In rehabilitation, this led to the development of specific methods and interventions for motor, cognitive and mental recovery. In addition, different theoretical approaches led to investigations of the impact of technologies on motor learning and cognitive functions. The knowledge regarding the impact of neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric rehabilitation on people's quality of life is growing. International researchers also need to investigate valid and reliable outcome measures for capturing the differences that rehabilitation makes in current clinical practice. In fact, the lack of comparable standardized outcome measures hindered comparative research and meta-analysis.

This Special Issue aims to collect original and novel research papers on neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric rehabilitation in both children and adults. Studies on the application of new technologies (virtual reality, software, devices) and assistive products, innovative rehabilitation approaches, psychometric properties of assessment tools, and systematic reviews and their relevant meta-analyses are the best candidates for this Special Issue.

Dr. Marco Tofani
Dr. Giovanni Galeoto
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

neuropsychological rehabilitation
neuropsychiatric rehabilitation
motor learning
disability
virtual reality
Parkinson’s disease
multiple sclerosis
acquired brain injury
stroke
autism spectrum disorder
outcome measures

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological, Psychiatric, Psychosocial, and Cognitive Factors of Poststroke Depression

by Mario F. Dulay, Amber Criswell and Timea M. Hodics

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5328; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20075328 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

Background: Depression is the most common psychiatric condition that occurs after cerebrovascular accident, especially within the first year after stroke. Poststroke depression (PSD) may occur due to environmental factors such as functional limitations in daily activities, lower quality of life, or biological factors such as damage to areas in the brain involved in emotion regulation. Although many factors are hypothesized to increase the risk of PSD, the relative contribution of these factors is not well understood. Purpose: We evaluated which cross-sectional variables were associated with increased odds of PSD in our adult outpatient stroke neuropsychology clinic population. Methods: The sample included 325 patients (49.2% female; mean age of 59-years old) evaluated at an average of 8.1 months after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Variables included in logistic regression were stroke characteristics, demographics, psychosocial factors, comorbid medical problems, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and cognitive status. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to determine DSM-defined PSD and anxiety disorders. A standard neuropsychological test battery was administered. Results: PSD occurred in 30.8% of the sample. Logistic regression indicated that increased odds of PSD were associated with a comorbid anxiety disorder (5.9 times more likely to suffer from PSD, p < 0.001). Further, increased odds of PSD were associated with a history of depression treatment before stroke (3.0 times more likely to suffer from PSD), fatigue (2.8 times more likely), memory impairment (2.4 times more likely), and younger age at stroke (all p values < 0.006). Discussion: Results suggest that PSD is likely multifactorial and extends the literature by demonstrating that a comorbid anxiety disorder correlated strongest with PSD. Poststroke screening and treatment plans should address not only depression but comorbid anxiety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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12 pages, 3280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functionality and Quality of Life with Parkinson’s Disease after Use of a Dynamic Upper Limb Orthosis: A Pilot Study

by María Jiménez-Barrios, Jerónimo González-Bernal, Esther Cubo, José María Gabriel-Galán, Beatriz García-López, Anna Berardi, Marco Tofani, Giovanni Galeoto, Martin J. A. Matthews, Mirian Santamaría-Peláez and Josefa González-Santos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4995; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20064995 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, neurodegenerative movement disorder, whose symptoms have a negative impact on quality of life and functionality. Although its main treatment is pharmacological, non-pharmacological aids such as the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis (DEFO) merit an evaluation. Our objective is to assess the DEFO in upper limb (UL) functional mobility and in the quality of life of PD patients. A total of 40 patients with PD participated in a randomized controlled crossover study, and were assigned to a control group (CG) and to an experimental group (EG). Both groups used the DEFO for two months, the experimental group the first two months of the study and the control group the last two. Motor variables were measured in the ON and OFF states at the baseline assessment and at two months. Differences from the baseline assessment were observed in some motor items of the Kinesia assessment, such as rest tremor, amplitude, rhythm or alternating movements in the ON and OFF states with and without orthosis. No differences were found in the unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS) or the PD quality-of-life questionnaire. The DEFO improves some motor aspects of the UL in PD patients but this does not translate to the amelioration of the standard of functional and quality-of-life scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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10 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation and Analysis of the Psychometric Properties of Two Irritability-Measuring Tools: The Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) and the Born-Steiner Irritability Scale (BSIS) in the Italian Adult and Adolescent Populations

by Maria Letizia Grassi, Donatella Valente, Anna Berardi, Marco Tofani and Giovanni Galeoto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4607; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20054607 - 5 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1395

Abstract

Irritability is a transdiagnostic symptom that affects quality of life during the lifespan of individuals. The objective of the present research was to validate two assessment tools, namely the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) and the Born-Steiner Irritability Scale (BSIS). We investigated internal consistency as measured with Cronbach’s alpha, test–retest with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and convergent validity confronting ARI and BSIS scores with the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Our results revealed ARI good internal consistency with a Cronbach’s α of 0.79 for adolescent and 0.78 for adults. The BSIS also demonstrated good internal consistency for both samples with Cronbach’s α = 0.87. Test–retest analysis showed excellent values for both tools. Convergent validity showed positive and significant correlation with SDW, albeit weak for some sub-scales. In conclusion, we found ARI and BSIS to be good tools for measuring irritability in adolescents and adults, and now, Italian healthcare professionals can use it with more confidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

12 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Magnetic Transcranial Stimulation in the Diagnosis and Post-Surgical Follow-Up of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

by Fernando Vázquez-Sánchez, María del Carmen Lloria-Gil, Ana Isabel Gómez-Menéndez, Francisco Isidro-Mesas, Ana Echavarría-Íñiguez, Javier Martín-Alonso, Jerónimo González-Bernal, Josefa González-Santos, Anna Berardi, Marco Tofani, Giovanni Galeoto and Beatriz García-López

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3690; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20043690 - 19 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) consists of spinal cord damage due to its compression through the cervical spine. The leading cause is degenerative. The diagnosis is clinical, and the therapeutic approach is usually surgical. Confirmation of the diagnostic suspicion is done by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, this test lacks functional information of the spinal cord, the abnormality of which may precede involvement in neuroimaging. Neurophysiological examination using somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows for an evaluation of spinal cord function, and provides information in the diagnostic process. Its role in the post-surgical follow-up of patients undergoing decompressive surgery is being studied. We present a retrospective study of 24 patients with DCM and surgical decompression who underwent neurophysiological tests (TMS and SSEP) before, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The result of the TMS and the SSEP in the post-operative follow-up did not correlate with the clinical outcome, either subjective or measured by clinical scales at six months. We only found post-surgical improvement of central conduction times (CMCTs) in patients with severe pre-surgical motor impairment on TMS. In patients with normal pre-surgical CMCT, we found a transient worsening with return to baseline at the one-year follow-up. Most patients presented pre-surgical increased P40 latency at diagnosis. CMCT and SSEP were more related to clinical outcomes one year after the surgical procedure and were very useful in diagnosing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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13 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Study: Determining Factors of Functional Independence and Quality of Life of Patients One Month after Having Suffered a Stroke

by Josefa González-Santos, Paula Rodríguez-Fernández, Rocío Pardo-Hernández, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal, Jessica Fernández-Solana and Mirian Santamaría-Peláez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 995; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20020995 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

(1) Background: loss of quality of life (QoL) and functional independence are two of the most common consequences of suffering a stroke. The main objective of this research is to study which factors are the greatest determinants of functional capacity and QoL a month after suffering a stroke so that they can be considered in early interventions. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted which sample consisted of 81 people who had previously suffered a stroke. The study population was recruited at the time of discharge from the Neurology Service and Stroke Unit of the hospitals of Burgos and Córdoba, Spain, through a consecutive sampling. Data were collected one month after participants experienced a stroke, and the main study variables were quality of life, measured with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL), and functional independence, measured with the Functional Independence Measure-Functional Assessment Measure (FIM-FAM). (3) Results: the factors associated with a worse QoL and functional capacity one month after having suffered a stroke were living in a different dwelling than the usual flat or house (p < 0.05), a worse cognitive capacity (p < 0.001) and a worse functional capacity of the affected upper limb (p < 0.001). A higher age was related to a worse functional capacity one month after suffering a stroke (p = 0.048). (4) Conclusions: the type of dwelling, age, cognitive ability and functional capacity of the affected upper limb are determining aspects in functional independence and QoL during the first weeks after a stroke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

11 pages, 373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability and Validity of the Motor Activity Log (MAL-30) Scale for Post-Stroke Patients in a Spanish Sample

by Mirian Santamaría-Peláez, Rocío Pardo-Hernández, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal, Raúl Soto-Cámara, Josefa González-Santos and Jessica Fernández-Solana

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14964; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192214964 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1808

Abstract

Background: The validation of assessment instruments is of great importance when they are applied in clinical and healthcare settings, since their safe and reliable use is essential for the application of appropriate and high-quality treatments. The motor activity log (MAL-30) is an instrument widely used by professionals in the clinic, which has been validated in different countries, languages and populations. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the MAL-30 scale for post-stroke patients in a Spanish sample. Methods: For this purpose, internal consistency tests were carried out using Cronbach’s alpha, item–item and item–total correlations, and a half-and-half test for reliability. For the validation, criterion validity tests were performed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale as the gold standard, and the convergent validity tests were carried out by correlation with the action research arm test (ARAT), box and block test (BBT), functional independence measure (FIM)–functional assessment measure (FAM), Lawton and Brody index and stroke quality of life scale (ECVI-38). Results: The results showed good internal consistency, as well as a good criterion and convergent validity. Conclusions: The MAL-30 instrument can be considered a valid and reliable tool for assessing the quantity and quality of the use of the affected upper limb in the performance of the activities of daily living and the instrumental activities of daily living after stroke in a Spanish sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

11 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) Scale in Post-Stroke Patients—Spanish Population

by Jessica Fernández-Solana, Rocío Pardo-Hernández, Jerónimo J. González-Bernal, Esteban Sánchez-González, Josefa González-Santos, Raúl Soto-Cámara and Mirian Santamaría-Pelaez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14918; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192214918 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

The validation of measuring instruments in the field of health is a requirement before they can be used safely and reliably. The action research arm test (ARAT) tool is an instrument validated in numerous countries and languages and for different populations, and its use is widespread. The objective of this research was to determine the psychometric properties of ARAT for a sample composed of post-stroke patients. To achieve this, a psychometric analysis was performed, where internal consistency tests were carried out using Cronbach’s alpha, correlations between items and item-total and half-level tests to verify their reliability. Regarding validity, criteria validity tests were performed, taking the motor function dimension of the Fugl–Meyer scale as gold standard, and convergent validity tests were performed by correlation with the FIM–FAM, ECVI-38 and Lawton and Brody scales. The results showed very good internal consistency as well as good criterion and convergent validity. In conclusion, the ARAT can be considered a valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of upper limb function in post-stroke patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

9 pages, 657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children: Italian Validation in Autism Spectrum Disorder Population

by Ester Mignolli, Alessia Scialpi, Donatella Valente, Anna Berardi, Giovanni Galeoto and Marco Tofani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10163; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610163 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1736

Abstract

Sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are well-described. However, there is a lack of specific assessment tools to investigate sleep disturbance in this target population. The present investigation reports the Italian validation of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) in the ASD population, also investigating the correlation between sleep disorders In both children and parents. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were investigated using Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Concurrent validity was analyzed by comparing the score of the SDSC with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while the correlation between the SDCS score and the General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS) was used to analyze the correlation between sleep disorders in children and sleep disorders in their parents. In total, 99 children with a diagnosis of ASD participated in the study. Cronbach’s alpha revealed satisfactory value (0.853), as well as reliability (ICC 0.972) and concurrent validity (0.745). Our results also revealed a significant linear correlation between children’s and parents’ sleep disorders (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found the SDSC to be a useful tool for measuring sleep disorders in ASD children. Our findings offer concrete inputs to achieve adequate pathways for taking care of children with ASDs and their parents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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8 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Italian Validation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in a Population of Healthy Children: A Cross Sectional Study

by Alessia Scialpi, Ester Mignolli, Corrado De Vito, Anna Berardi, Marco Tofani, Donatella Valente and Giovanni Galeoto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9132; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159132 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Background: Sleep disorders are one of the most discussed topics in scientific literature every year. Although they are one of the most studied topics, in both adults and children, knowledge of sleep disorders and their treatment is still not completely clear, and there is a need to deepen and analyze these disorders on a country-by-country basis. However, research in the Italian literature reveals a scarce quantity of tools to evaluate sleep quality in children. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is probably the most commonly used retrospective self-assessment questionnaire in the adult population. Purpose: We aimed to validate and analyze the psychometric characteristics of this tool in order to detect and explore the presence of sleep disorders in a healthy Italian population of children throughout the country. Methods: Individuals aged between 3 and 16 years without symptoms of insomnia were included in this study. The reliability and construct validity of the PSQI were assessed according to Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Results: We enrolled 222 individuals in this study (mean age 11 years). The PSQI demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.719). Test–retest reliability was assessed on a randomized subgroup of the sample (n = 35). The PSQI showed good test–retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.829 for the total score (95% confidence interval: 0.662–0.914). The Pearson correlation coefficient, used for construct validity, showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Conclusion: The PSQI proved to be a very reliable and valid tool to investigate sleep experiences in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

Review

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12 pages, 1709 KiB

Open AccessReview

Galvanic Skin Response Features in Psychiatry and Mental Disorders: A Narrative Review

by Renata Markiewicz, Agnieszka Markiewicz-Gospodarek and Beata Dobrowolska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13428; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192013428 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3767

Abstract

This narrative review is aimed at presenting the galvanic skin response (GSR) Biofeedback method and possibilities for its application in persons with mental disorders as a modern form of neurorehabilitation. In the treatment of mental disorders of various backgrounds and courses, attention is focused on methods that would combine pharmacological treatment with therapies improving functioning. Currently, the focus is on neuronal mechanisms which, being physiological markers, offer opportunities for correction of existing deficits. One such indicator is electrodermal activity (EDA), providing information about emotions, cognitive processes, and behavior, and thus, about the function of various brain regions. Measurement of the galvanic skin response (GSR), both skin conductance level (SCL) and skin conductance responses (SCR), is used in diagnostics and treatment of mental disorders, and the training method itself, based on GSR Biofeedback, allows for modulation of the emotional state depending on needs occurring. Summary: It is relatively probable that neurorehabilitation based on GSR-BF is a method worth noticing, which—in the future—can represent an interesting area of rehabilitation supplementing a comprehensive treatment for people with mental disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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Other

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9 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial Protocol

by Teris Cheung, Yuen Shan Ho, Kwan Hin Fong, Yuen Ting Joyce Lam, Man Ho Li, Andy Choi-Yeung Tse, Cheng-Ta Li, Calvin Pak-Wing Cheng and Roland Beisteiner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15614; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192315614 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1533

Abstract

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common developmental disorder in children. The latest non-intrusive brain stimulation (NIBS) technology—transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS)—has been proven effective in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders and adults with major depressive disorder. Nonetheless, there is so far no robust randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted on adolescents with ASD nationwide. This study proposes a two-armed (verum TPS group vs. sham TPS group), double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Both groups will be measured at four timepoints, namely, baseline (T1), 2 weeks immediately after post-TPS intervention (T2), and at the 1-month (T3) and 3-month (T4) follow-ups. Thirty-four subjects, aged between 12 and 17, diagnosed with ASD will be recruited in this study. All subjects will be computerized randomised into the verum TPS group or the sham TPS group on a 1:1 ratio. All subjects will undertake functional MRI (fMRI) before and after the 2-weeks TPS interventions, which will be completed in 2 weeks’ time. This will be the first RCT evaluating the efficacy of TPS adolescents with ASD in Hong Kong. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05408793. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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14 pages, 3158 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Mirror Neurons-Based Rehabilitation Techniques in Hand Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Marco Tofani, Luigino Santecchia, Antonella Conte, Anna Berardi, Giovanni Galeoto, Carla Sogos, Maurizio Petrarca, Francescaroberta Panuccio and Enrico Castelli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5526; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095526 - 2 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5496

Abstract

Background: Hand trauma requires specific rehabilitation protocol depending on the different structures involved. According to type of surgical intervention, and for monitoring pain and edema, post-operative rehabilitation of a hand that has experienced trauma involves different timings for immobilization. Several protocols have been used to reduce immobilization time, and various techniques and methods are adopted, depending on the structures involved. Objective: To measure the effects of mirror neurons-based rehabilitation techniques in hand injuries throughout a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The protocol was accepted in PROSPERO database. A literature search was conducted in Cinahl, Scopus, Medline, PEDro, OTseeker. Two authors independently identified eligible studies, based on predefined inclusion criteria, and extracted the data. RCT quality was assessed using the JADAD scale. Results: Seventy-nine suitable studies were screened, and only eleven were included for qualitative synthesis, while four studies were selected for quantitative analysis. Four studies were case reports/series, and seven were RCTs. Nine investigate the effect of Mirror Therapy and two the effect of Motor Imagery. Quantitative analyses revealed Mirror Therapy as effective for hand function recovery (mean difference = −14.80 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = −17.22, −12.38) (p < 0.00001) in the short term, as well as in long follow-up groups (mean difference = −13.11 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = −17.53, −8.69) (p < 0.00001). Clinical, but not statistical, efficacy was found for manual dexterity (p = 0.15), while no benefit was reported for range of motion. Conclusions: Mirror neurons-based rehabilitation techniques, combined with conventional occupational and physical therapy, can be a useful approach in hand trauma. Mirror therapy seems to be effective for hand function recovery, but, for motor imagery and action observation, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend its use. Further research on the efficacy of the mirror neurons-based technique in hand injury is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychological and Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation)

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