-
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Sep 2018Clinical studies have shown that sensory input improves motor function when added to active training after neurological injuries in the spinal cord. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Clinical studies have shown that sensory input improves motor function when added to active training after neurological injuries in the spinal cord.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the effect on motor function of extremities of adding an electrical sensory modality without motor recruitment before or with routine rehabilitation for hemiparesis after stroke by a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched databases including MEDLINE via PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1978 to the end of November 2017 for reports of randomized controlled trials or controlled studies of patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke who underwent 1) transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or peripheral electromyography-triggered sensory stimulation over a peripheral nerve and associated muscles or 2) acupuncture to areas that produced sensory effects, without motor recruitment, along with routine rehabilitation. Outcome measures were motor impairment, activity, and participation outcomes defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
RESULTS
The search yielded 11studies with data that could be included in a meta-analysis. Electrical sensory inputs, when paired with routine therapy, improved peak torque dorsiflexion (mean difference [MD] 2.44 Nm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-4.63). On subgroup analysis, the combined therapy yielded a significant difference in terms of sensory stimulation without motor recruitment only on the Timed Up and Go test in the chronic phase of stroke (MD 3.51sec, 95% CI 3.05-3.98). The spasticity score was reduced but not significantly (MD-0.83 points, 95% CI -1.77-0.10).
CONCLUSION
Electrical sensory input can contribute to routine rehabilitation to improve early post-stroke lower-extremity impairment and late motor function, with no change in spasticity. Prolonged periods of sensory stimulation such as TENS combined with activity can have beneficial effects on impairment and function after stroke.
Topics: Humans; Lower Extremity; Muscle Spasticity; Paresis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 29958963
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2018.06.005 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2020Stroke is caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) and may lead to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Stroke is caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) and may lead to changes in perception, cognition, mood, speech, health-related quality of life, and function, such as difficulty walking and using the arm. Activity limitations (decreased function) of the upper extremity are a common finding for individuals living with stroke. Mental practice (MP) is a training method that uses cognitive rehearsal of activities to improve performance of those activities.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether MP improves outcomes of upper extremity rehabilitation for individuals living with the effects of stroke. In particular, we sought to (1) determine the effects of MP on upper extremity activity, upper extremity impairment, activities of daily living, health-related quality of life, economic costs, and adverse effects; and (2) explore whether effects differed according to (a) the time post stroke at which MP was delivered, (b) the dose of MP provided, or (c) the type of comparison performed.
SEARCH METHODS
We last searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register on September 17, 2019. On September 3, 2019, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and REHABDATA. On October 2, 2019, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We reviewed the reference lists of included studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adult participants with stroke who had deficits in upper extremity function (called upper extremity activity).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors screened titles and abstracts of the citations produced by the literature search and excluded obviously irrelevant studies. We obtained the full text of all remaining studies, and both review authors then independently selected trials for inclusion. We combined studies when the review produced a minimum of two trials employing a particular intervention strategy and a common outcome. We considered the primary outcome to be the ability of the arm to be used for appropriate tasks, called upper extremity activity. Secondary outcomes included upper extremity impairment (such as quality of movement, range of motion, tone, presence of synergistic movement), activities of daily living (ADLs), health-related quality of life (HRQL), economic costs, and adverse events. We assessed risk of bias in the included studies and applied GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. We completed subgroup analyses for time since stroke, dosage of MP, type of comparison, and type of arm activity outcome measure.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 25 studies involving 676 participants from nine countries. For the comparison of MP in addition to other treatment versus the other treatment, MP in combination with other treatment appears more effective in improving upper extremity activity than the other treatment without MP (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39 to 0.94; I² = 39%; 15 studies; 397 participants); the GRADE certainty of evidence score was moderate based on risk of bias for the upper extremity activity outcome. For upper extremity impairment, results were as follows: SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.87; I² = 43%; 15 studies; 397 participants, with a GRADE score of moderate, based on risk of bias. For ADLs, results were as follows: SMD 0.08, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.39; I² = 0%; 4 studies; 157 participants; the GRADE score was low due to risk of bias and small sample size. For the comparison of MP versus conventional treatment, the only outcome with available data to combine (3 studies; 50 participants) was upper extremity impairment (SMD 0.34, 95% CI -0.33 to 1.00; I² = 21%); GRADE for the impairment outcome in this comparison was low due to risk of bias and small sample size. Subgroup analyses of time post stroke, dosage of MP, or comparison type for the MP in combination with other rehabilitation treatment versus the other treatment comparison showed no differences. The secondary outcome of health-related quality of life was reported in only one study, and no study noted the outcomes of economic costs and adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-certainty evidence shows that MP in addition to other treatment versus the other treatment appears to be beneficial in improving upper extremity activity. Moderate-certainty evidence also shows that MP in addition to other treatment versus the other treatment appears to be beneficial in improving upper extremity impairment after stroke. Low-certainty evidence suggests that ADLs may not be improved with MP in addition to other treatment versus the other treatment. Low-certainty evidence also suggests that MP versus conventional treatment may not improve upper extremity impairment. Further study is required to evaluate effects of MP on time post stroke, the volume of MP required to affect outcomes, and whether improvement is maintained over the long term.
Topics: Arm; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Imagination; Male; Paresis; Practice, Psychological; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 32449959
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005950.pub5 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2020Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors...
Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PSS. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WANFANG and CBM) inception to May 12, 2020. Observational studies summarizing the incidence or risk factors for PSS were included. Only cohort studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. For risk factors examined in at least three different studies, we combined effects into odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). One thousand four hundred sixty-seven studies were retrieved and 23 were involved in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spasticity after stroke was 25.3% and that after the first-ever stroke was 26.7%. The incidence of spasticity after the first-ever stroke with paresis was 39.5%. The prevalence of disabling or severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in stroke patients with paresis was 9.4% (95% CI 0.056-0.133), and severe spasticity was 10.3% (95% CI 0.058-0.149). Moderate to severe paresis (OR = 6.573, 95% CI 2.579-16.755, = 0.0%), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.418-2.490, = 27.3%) and sensory disorder were risk factors for PSS. The incidence of PSS was significantly higher in stroke patients with paresis. Patients with moderate to severe paresis and sensory disorder should be closely followed up. The role of hemorrhagic stroke in predicting PSS remains to be further explored.
PubMed: 33551975
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.616097 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Nov 2014To perform a systematic literature review to evaluate the type and timing of therapy for vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy and develop a primary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To perform a systematic literature review to evaluate the type and timing of therapy for vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy and develop a primary decision-making pathway.
STUDY DESIGN
Meta-analysis.
METHODS
Four databases and one journal were searched using the key words of "thyroidectomy," "vocal cord paresis/paralysis," and "therapy." Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tools. Data regarding type and timing of therapy were extracted from 39 articles. Odds ratios (ORs), relative risk (RR), 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationships between timing and OR/RR.
RESULTS
Among the 13 studies investigating unilateral paresis/paralysis, five focused on early therapy (0-6 months). In these studies, the OR for clinical heterogeneity was significantly higher after neurolysis than after injection laryngoplasty and voice training (Q = 17.002, I(2) = 78%, P = 0.000), and the RR for heterogeneity was significantly higher after injection laryngoplasty at ≥12 months than <12 months (Q = 9.984, I(2) = 89.9%, P = 0.002). In the 26 studies that investigated bilateral paresis/paralysis, the OR for heterogeneity was significantly higher for bilateral posterior cordectomy than for endolaryngeal laterofixation (Q = 3.510, I(2) = 71.5%, P = 0.061) and laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy (Q = 2.90, I(2) = 65.6%, P = 0.088).
CONCLUSIONS
For unilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy, we recommend absorbable mass injection laryngoplasty, voice training, and neurolysis during the first 12 months but laryngeal reinnervation after 12 months. For bilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis, we recommend early laterofixation and combined laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy after 12 months.
Topics: Humans; Laryngoplasty; Logistic Models; Nerve Block; Odds Ratio; Phonation; Recovery of Function; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Reoperation; Risk Factors; Thyroidectomy; Time Factors; Time-to-Treatment; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords; Voice; Voice Training
PubMed: 24739443
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2014.02.003 -
Thyroid Research 2015Several meta-analyses have been performed comparing the use of a variety of ultrasonic devices in thyroidectomy to conventional procedures. These studies have shown the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Several meta-analyses have been performed comparing the use of a variety of ultrasonic devices in thyroidectomy to conventional procedures. These studies have shown the superiority of ultrasonic devices for most outcomes studied including faster operative time and less blood loss, and equivalent or better safety for recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and hypocalcemia. The current work is the first to examine a single ultrasonic device specifically designed for thyroid surgery, the Harmonic Focus, in order to confirm its efficacy and safety in thyroidectomy.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search without language restrictions was performed for randomized clinical trials comparing Harmonic Focus and conventional clamp, cut and tie in thyroidectomy. Outcome measures included operating time, blood loss, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay, hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. Risk of bias was analyzed for all studies. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models with the inverse-variance method for mean differences of continuous variables and the Mantel-Haenszel method for risk ratios of dichotomous variables.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Harmonic Focus reduced operative time by 29 min, a 31 % decrease (p < 0.001), intra-operative blood loss by 45 ml (p < 0.001), post-operative pain (p < 0.001), length of hospital stay by 0.68 days (p = 0.005), drainage volume by 29 ml (p = 0.01), and occurrence of transient hypocalcemia by 40 % (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between Harmonic Focus and conventional procedures in rate of persistent hypocalcemia, or rates of transient and persistent recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis.
CONCLUSION
This is the first meta-analysis of Harmonic Focus in thyroid surgery. In agreement with meta-analyses previously performed on ultrasonic devices, use of the Harmonic Focus has been shown to be a more effective surgical procedure compared to conventional methods in thyroidectomy. The low occurrence of hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis confirms that Harmonic Focus can improve thyroidectomy efficiency without increasing the risk of complications.
PubMed: 26430471
DOI: 10.1186/s13044-015-0027-1 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2022Besides corticosteroids, clinicians found that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has a potential effect on vestibular neuritis (VN) improvement. This study aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Besides corticosteroids, clinicians found that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has a potential effect on vestibular neuritis (VN) improvement. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of both corticosteroid therapy (CT) compared to VRT, and each group compared to their combination (CT vs. (CT+VRT) and VRT vs. (CT + VRT). : Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the administration of at least CT and VRT for VN. The outcome of interest was VN's subjective and objective improvement parameters. Four RCTs involving a total of 182 patients with VN were eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of canal paresis (objective parameter) in the CT group is significantly lower than in the VRT group after a 1 month follow-up (8.31; 95% CI: 0.29, -16.32; = 0.04; fixed effect). Meanwhile, the WMD of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (subjective parameter) in the VRT group is significantly lower than in the CT group after a 1 month follow-up (-3.95; 95% CI: -7.69, -0.21; = 0.04; fixed effect). Similarly, the WMD of DHI in the combination group (CT+VRT) is significantly lower than in the CT group after a 3 month follow-up (3.15; 95% CI: 1.50, 4.80; = 0.0002; fixed effect). However, there is no significant difference in all outcomes after 12 months of follow-ups in all groups (CT vs. VRT, CT vs. combination, and VRT vs. combination). : This study indicates that CT enhances the earlier canal paresis improvement, as the objective parameter, while VRT gives the earlier DHI score improvement, as the subjective parameter. However, their long-term efficacy does not appear to be different. VRT has to be offered as the primary option for patients with VN, and corticosteroids can be added to provide better recovery in the absence of its contraindication. However, whether to choose VRT, CT, or its combination should be tailored to the patient's condition. Future studies are still needed to revisit this issue, due to the small number of trials in this field. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021220615).
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Humans; Paresis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vertigo; Vestibular Neuronitis
PubMed: 36143898
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091221 -
BMC Neurology Mar 2015Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive disabilities that develop decades after prior paralytic poliomyelitis. Because chronic inflammation may be the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive disabilities that develop decades after prior paralytic poliomyelitis. Because chronic inflammation may be the process underlying the development of PPS, immunomodulatory management, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) administration, may be beneficial.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies that evaluated the efficacy of IVIg in managing PPS. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched for articles on PPS published before December 2014. The primary outcomes were pain severity, fatigue scores, and muscle strength. The secondary outcomes were physical performance, quality of life (QoL), and cytokine expression levels.
RESULTS
We identified 3 RCTs involving 241 patients and 5 prospective studies involving 267 patients. The meta-analysis of pain severity (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.51 to 0.47), fatigue scores (WMD = 0.28, 95% CI -0.56 to 1.12), and muscle strength revealed no significant differences between the IVIg and the placebo group. Regarding QoL, the RCTs yielded controversial outcomes, with improvement in only certain domains of the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Moreover, one prospective study reported significant improvement on SF-36, particularly in patients aged younger than 65 years, those with paresis of the lower limbs, and high pain intensity.
CONCLUSION
The present review indicated that IVIg is unlikely to produce significant improvements in pain, fatigue, or muscle strength. Thus, routinely administering IVIg to patients with PPS is not recommended based on RCTs. However, a potential effect in younger patients with lower limbs weakness and intense pain requires confirmation from further well-structured trials.
Topics: Fatigue; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Immunologic Factors; Muscle Strength; Muscle Weakness; Pain; Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25886512
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0301-9 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Oct 2021The Harmonic Scalpel and Ligasure (Covidien) devices are commonly used in head and neck surgery. Parotidectomy is a complex and intricate surgery that requires careful...
OBJECTIVE
The Harmonic Scalpel and Ligasure (Covidien) devices are commonly used in head and neck surgery. Parotidectomy is a complex and intricate surgery that requires careful dissection of the facial nerve. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes in parotidectomy using these haemostatic devices with traditional scalpel and cautery.
METHOD
A systematic review of the literature was performed with subsequent meta-analysis of seven studies that compared the use of haemostatic devices to traditional scalpel and cautery in parotidectomy. Outcome measures included: temporary facial paresis, operating time, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative drain output and length of hospital stay.
RESULTS
A total of 7 studies representing 675 patients were identified: 372 patients were treated with haemostatic devices, and 303 patients were treated with scalpel and cautery. Statistically significant outcomes favouring the use of haemostatic devices included operating time, intra-operative blood loss and post-operative drain output. Outcome measures that did not favour either treatment included facial nerve paresis and length of hospital stay.
CONCLUSION
Overall, haemostatic devices were found to reduce operating time, intra-operative blood loss and post-operative drain output.
Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Dissection; Drainage; Electrocoagulation; Facial Nerve; Facial Paralysis; Female; Hemostasis, Surgical; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Middle Aged; Operative Time; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Parotid Gland; Postoperative Period; Surgical Instruments
PubMed: 34423755
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215121001973 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2022Bilateral arm training (BAT) presents as a promising approach in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation after a stroke as it may facilitate neuroplasticity. However, the...
Bilateral arm training (BAT) presents as a promising approach in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation after a stroke as it may facilitate neuroplasticity. However, the effectiveness of BAT is inconclusive, and no systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the impact of different factors on the outcomes of BAT. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) compare the effects of bilateral arm training (BAT) with unilateral arm training (UAT) and conventional therapy (CT) on the upper limb (UL) motor impairments and functional performance post-stroke, and (2) investigate the different contributing factors that may influence the success of BAT. A comprehensive literature search was performed in five databases. Randomized control trials (RCTs) that met inclusion criteria were selected and assessed for methodological qualities. Data relating to outcome measures, characteristics of participants (stroke chronicity and severity), and features of intervention (type of BAT and dose) were extracted for meta-analysis. With 25 RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria, BAT demonstrated significantly greater improvements in motor impairments as measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) than CT ( = 3.94, = < 0.001), but not in functional performance as measured by the pooled outcomes of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block Test (BBT), and the time component of Motor Function Test (WMFT-time) ( = 0.28, = 0.313). The superior motor impairment effects of BAT were associated with recruiting mildly impaired individuals in the chronic phase of stroke ( = 6.71, < 0.001), and applying a higher dose of intervention ( = 6.52, < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that bilateral functional task training (BFTT) improves both motor impairments ( = 7.84, < 0.001) and functional performance ( = 1.02, = 0.049). No significant differences were detected between BAT and UAT for motor impairment ( = -0.90, = 0.681) or functional performance ( = -0.09, = 0.457). Thus, our meta-analysis indicates that BAT may be more beneficial than CT in addressing post-stroke UL motor impairment, particularly in the chronic phase with mild UL paresis. The success of BAT may be dose-dependent, and higher doses of intervention may be required. BFTT appears to be a valuable form of BAT that could be integrated into stroke rehabilitation programs. BAT and UAT are generally equivalent in improving UL motor impairments and functional performance.
PubMed: 35547621
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.875794 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B May 2019The postictal period has many physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations associated with it. These signs and symptoms are common, can be quite debilitating, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The postictal period has many physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations associated with it. These signs and symptoms are common, can be quite debilitating, and can have a continued impact long after the seizure has ended. The purpose of this systematic review was to quantify the occurrence of postictal signs and symptoms, along with their frequency and duration in persons with epilepsy.
METHODS
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to November 29, 2017. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting standards were followed. Search terms included subject headings and text words such as convulsion, epilepsy, seizure, postictal, post seizure, seizure recovery, seizure end, Todd's paresis, and Todd's paralysis. Standardized forms were used to collect various study variables. Abstract and full-text review, data abstraction, and quality assessment were all done in duplicate. Study heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared test, and a random effects model was used to determine estimates. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots.
RESULTS
From 7811 abstracts reviewed, 78 articles met eligibility criteria, with 31 postictal manifestations (signs and/or symptoms) described and 45 studies included in the meta-analysis. The majority of studies described postictal headaches, migraines, and psychoses, with mean weighted frequency of 33.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.0-40.0], 16.0% [95% CI 10.0-22.0], and 4.0% [95% CI 2.0-5.0], respectively. The mean weighted proportions of manifestations ranged from 0.5% (subacute postictal aggression) to 96.2% (postictal unresponsiveness) with symptom duration usually lasting <24 h but up to 2 months for physical and cognitive/behavioral symptoms respectively.
SIGNIFICANCE
Examining data on the various signs and symptoms of the postictal period will have practical applications for physicians by raising their awareness about these manifestations and informing them about the importance of optimizing their prevention and treatment in epilepsy.
Topics: Epilepsy; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Psychotic Disorders; Seizures
PubMed: 30978637
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.03.014