APA Dictionary of Psychology

a rehabilitation method in which an individual who has lost the use of a limb due to stroke places both affected and unaffected limbs (e.g., left arm and right arm) into slots of a box containing two mirrors in the center that each face outward, reflecting the respective limb. The person moves the intact limb and watches its reflection in the corresponding mirror, which gives the illusion that the other, paralyzed limb is moving in response to the brain’s commands. Research has shown that the technique aids recovery of limb function following stroke, perhaps by tapping into former mirror neuron circuits that have only been partially damaged. The technique also is used, in modified form, with individuals who have lost a limb to amputation and has been effective in reducing or alleviating their phantom limb pain. Also called mirror therapy and mirror visual feedback. [developed by neurologist Vilayanur S. Ramachandran (1951–  )]