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Heart Failure Reviews Sep 2022Aerobic training (AT) has been the primary mode of exercise training in cardiac rehabilitation. Historically, the reason for the prescription of AT was that it was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Aerobic training (AT) has been the primary mode of exercise training in cardiac rehabilitation. Historically, the reason for the prescription of AT was that it was speculated that although RT may be beneficial for some clinical outcomes, it may have an adverse effect on ventricular structure and function. However, RT has now made its way into current cardiac rehabilitation guidelines, including those directed towards patients with HF, albeit differences exist across institutions and guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Trials Register on April 30, 2021, was conducted for exercise-based rehabilitation trials in HF. Randomised and controlled trials that reported on resistance training versus usual care or trials that directly compared RT to an AT intervention were included. Resistance training versus controls improves parameters of lower (SMD 0.76 (95%CI 0.26, 1.25, p = 0.003] and upper extremity muscle strength (SMD 0.85 (95%CI 0.35, 1.35), p = 0.0009], both key parameters of physical function throughout the lifespan. Importantly, RT in isolation, versus control, improves VO2peak [MD: 2.64 ml/kg/min (95%CI 1.67, 3.60), p < 0.00001] and 6MWD [MD: 49.94 m (95%CI 34.59, 65.29), p < 0.00001], without any detrimental effect on left ventricular parameters. Resistance training in HF patients is safe and improves parameters of physical function and quality of life. Where people with HF are unable to, or are not inclined to, partake in aerobic activity, RT alone is appropriate to elicit meaningful benefit.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Heart Failure; Humans; Quality of Life; Resistance Training
PubMed: 34542742
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-021-10169-8 -
Journal of Advanced Nursing Aug 2021To explore the beneficial effects of virtual reality (VR) interventions on upper- and lower-limb motor function, balance, gait, cognition and daily function outcomes in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To explore the beneficial effects of virtual reality (VR) interventions on upper- and lower-limb motor function, balance, gait, cognition and daily function outcomes in stroke patients.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
DATA SOURCES
English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) and Chinese databases (Chinese BioMedical Literature Service System, WANFANG, CNKI) and the Clinical Trial Registry Platform were systematically searched from inception until December 2019. Additionally, reference lists of the included studies were manually searched.
REVIEW METHODS
The methodological quality of studies was scored with the Cochrane 'risk-of-bias tool' and PEDro scale from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database by two independent evaluators.
RESULTS
In total, 87 studies with 3540 participants were included. Stroke patients receiving VR interventions showed significant improvements in Fugl-Meyer assessment of Upper Extremity, Action Research Arm Test, Wolf Motor Function Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity, Functional Ambulation Classification, Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go, Velocity, Cadence, Modified Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure. However, differences between VR intervention and traditional rehabilitation groups were not significant for Box-Block Test, 10 m Walk Test, Auditory Continuous Performance Test, Mini-Mental State Examination and Visual Continuous Performance Test.
CONCLUSION
This review suggests that VR interventions effectively improve upper- and lower-limb motor function, balance, gait and daily function of stroke patients, but have no benefits on cognition.
IMPACT
This review identified the positive effects of VR-assisted rehabilitation on upper- and lower-limb motor function, balance, gait and daily function of stroke patients. And, we verified the duration of VR intervention affects some health benefits. The benefit of VR on cognitive function requires further investigation through large-scale multicentre RCTs.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Cognition; Gait; Humans; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 33675076
DOI: 10.1111/jan.14800 -
Physiotherapy Jun 2020Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is associated with significant impairments in body structure and function, activity limitation, and participation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is associated with significant impairments in body structure and function, activity limitation, and participation restriction. The etiology and management of ICUAW remain uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the extent to which early rehabilitation interventions (early mobilization [EM] and/or neuromuscular electrical stimulation [NMES]) compared to usual care reduce the incidence of ICUAW in critically ill patients.
DATA SOURCES
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central and Physiotherapy Evidence Database databases from inception to May 1st, 2017.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of EM and/or NMES interventions in critically ill adults.
DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS
Data on the incidence of ICUAW and secondary outcomes were extracted. Both odds and risk ratios for ICUAW were pooled using the random-effects model.
RESULTS
We identified 1421 reports after duplicate removal. Nine studies including 841 patients (419 intervention and 422 usual care) were included in the final analysis. The interventions involved EM in five trials, NMES in three trials, and both EM and NMES in one trial. Early rehabilitation decreased the likelihood of developing ICUAW: odds ratio of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.92) in the screened population, and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.95) in the randomized population.
CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Early rehabilitation was associated with a decreased likelihood of developing ICUAW. Our findings support early rehabilitation in the ICU. While results were consistent in both the screened and randomized populations, the wide confidence intervals suggest that well-conducted trials are needed to validate our findings.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42017065031.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Critical Illness; Early Ambulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Muscle Weakness; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 32135387
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2019.12.004 -
Brain and Behavior Aug 2020Stroke survivors often experience upper-limb motor deficits and achieve limited motor recovery within six months after the onset of stroke. We aimed to systematically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Stroke survivors often experience upper-limb motor deficits and achieve limited motor recovery within six months after the onset of stroke. We aimed to systematically review the effects of robot-assisted therapy (RT) in comparison to usual care on the functional and health outcomes of subacute stroke survivors.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2019 were identified from six electronic databases. Pooled estimates of standardized mean differences for five outcomes, including motor control (primary outcome), functional independence, upper extremity performance, muscle tone, and quality of life were derived by random effects meta-analyses. Assessments of risk of bias in the included RCTs and the quality of evidence for every individual outcomes were conducted following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration.
RESULTS
Eleven RCTs involving 493 participants were included for review. At post-treatment, the effects of RT when compared to usual care on motor control, functional independence, upper extremity performance, muscle tone, and quality of life were nonsignificant (all ps ranged .16 to .86). The quality of this evidence was generally rated as low-to-moderate. Less than three RCTs assessed the treatment effects beyond post-treatment and the results remained nonsignificant.
CONCLUSION
Robot-assisted therapy produced benefits similar, but not significantly superior, to those from usual care for improving functioning and disability in patients diagnosed with stroke within six months. Apart from using head-to-head comparison to determine the effects of RT in subacute stroke survivors, future studies may explore the possibility of conducting noninferiority or equivalence trials, given that the less labor-intensive RT may offer important advantages over currently available standard care, in terms of improved convenience, better adherence, and lower manpower cost.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Humans; Male; Robotics; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 32592282
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1742 -
European Journal of Neurology Jan 2022The effect of mirror therapy for unilateral neglect after stroke currently remains uncertain. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The effect of mirror therapy for unilateral neglect after stroke currently remains uncertain.
METHODS
This systematic review investigated the effect of mirror therapy on neglect and daily living activities in patients with unilateral neglect after stroke when compared with no treatment, sham mirror therapy, or routinely applied therapies only. We performed a systematic electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data to identify relevant randomized control trials (RCTs).
RESULTS
We included five RCTs in the data synthesis. Mirror therapy (combined or not with other treatments) was more effective in improving neglect as compared with sham mirror therapy or no treatment (combined or not with the other therapies; standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-2.21, p < 0.00001). Mirror therapy (combined or not with other therapies) was effective in improving daily living activities as compared with sham mirror therapy or no treatment (combined or not with the other therapies; SMD = 2.09, 95% CI = 0.63-3.56, p = 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that mirror therapy effectively improves neglect and daily living activities in patients with unilateral neglect after stroke. Future trials with high methodological quality and larger sample sizes are needed to determine the immediate and long-term effect of appropriate mirror therapy protocol for unilateral neglect.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; China; Humans; Mirror Movement Therapy; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 34558762
DOI: 10.1111/ene.15122 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Sep 2022Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a disabling complication affecting stroke survivors. In this context, rehabilitation might play a key role in its clinical management.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a disabling complication affecting stroke survivors. In this context, rehabilitation might play a key role in its clinical management. Recent systematic reviews of the impact of rehabilitative approaches on pain reduction in patients with HSP are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of rehabilitative techniques in reducing HSP in stroke survivors.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 8, 2021 to identify RCTs of stroke survivors with HSP undergoing specific rehabilitative techniques combined with conventional therapy to reduce pain intensity. A network meta-analysis and meta-analysis of the Bayesian network of random effects were performed. The risk of bias of studies was assessed with Version 2 of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials.
RESULTS
Of 1139 articles identified, 12 were included in the final synthesis. We analyzed data for 723 stroke survivors, reporting a significant overall decrease in pain intensity after a rehabilitative approach by the Bayesian meta-analysis (standardized mean difference 2.78, 95% confidence interval 0.89;-4.59; p = 0.003). We report a significant reduction in HSP with botulinum toxin type A injection (p = 0.001), suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency (p = 0.030), suprascapular nerve block (p = 0.020), and trigger-point dry needling (p = 0.005) as compared with conventional rehabilitation. Concerning the effect size, we identified a Bayesian factor of 97.2, with very strong evidence of superiority of rehabilitative techniques.
CONCLUSIONS
The present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that adding other rehabilitative techniques to conventional rehabilitation was significantly more effective than conventional rehabilitation alone in the complex management of patients affected by HSP.
Topics: Hemiplegia; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Pain Measurement; Shoulder Pain; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 34757009
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101602 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Aug 2021Chin tuck against resistance (CTAR) exercise has been recently reported to be a new therapeutic exercise method that can help improve swallowing function in patients... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Chin tuck against resistance (CTAR) exercise has been recently reported to be a new therapeutic exercise method that can help improve swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. However, due to the differences in exercise protocols, methods and the tools used across studies of CTAR exercise, an overall systematic review of these studies is necessary.
OBJECTIVE
The present study investigated the exercise protocols, methods and tools used in various studies of CTAR exercise and summarised their findings.
METHODS
We searched for studies related to CTAR exercise using electronic databases and selected nine articles for review. The articles were categorised on the basis of four criteria: study design and quality, training protocol, outcome measures and clinical effect.
RESULTS
Four articles reported that CTAR exercise not only helped activate the suprahyoid muscle in healthy adults, but also activated the sternocleidomastoid muscle less than Shaker exercise. In addition, five articles reported that CTAR exercise was effective in improving swallowing function and oral diet stage in the pharyngeal phase, including reduction of airway aspiration in patients with dysphagia after stroke.
CONCLUSIONS
CTAR exercise more selectively activates the suprahyoid muscle and is an effective therapeutic exercise for improving swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. Because it is less strenuous than Shaker exercise, it requires less physical burden and effort, allowing greater compliance.
Topics: Adult; Chin; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Resistance Training
PubMed: 33973284
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13181 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2022Perception is the ability to understand information from our senses. It allows us to experience and meaningfully interact with our environment. A stroke may impair... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Perception is the ability to understand information from our senses. It allows us to experience and meaningfully interact with our environment. A stroke may impair perception in up to 70% of stroke survivors, leading to distress, increased dependence on others, and poorer quality of life. Interventions to address perceptual disorders may include assessment and screening, rehabilitation, non-invasive brain stimulation, pharmacological and surgical approaches.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at perceptual disorders after stroke compared to no intervention or control (placebo, standard care, attention control), on measures of performance in activities of daily living. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the trials registers of the Cochrane Stroke Group, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and three other databases to August 2021. We also searched trials and research registers, reference lists of studies, handsearched journals, and contacted authors.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adult stroke survivors with perceptual disorders. We defined perception as the specific mental functions of recognising and interpreting sensory stimuli and included hearing, taste, touch, smell, somatosensation, and vision. Our definition of perception excluded visual field deficits, neglect/inattention, and pain.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
One review author assessed titles, with two review authors independently screening abstracts and full-text articles for eligibility. One review author extracted, appraised, and entered data, which were checked by a second author. We assessed risk of bias (ROB) using the ROB-1 tool, and quality of evidence using GRADE. A stakeholder group, comprising stroke survivors, carers, and healthcare professionals, was involved in this review update.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 18 eligible RCTs involving 541 participants. The trials addressed touch (three trials, 70 participants), somatosensory (seven trials, 196 participants) and visual perception disorders (seven trials, 225 participants), with one (50 participants) exploring mixed touch-somatosensory disorders. None addressed stroke-related hearing, taste, or smell perception disorders. All but one examined the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions; the exception evaluated non-invasive brain stimulation. For our main comparison of active intervention versus no treatment or control, one trial reported our primary outcome of performance in activities of daily living (ADL): Somatosensory disorders: one trial (24 participants) compared an intervention with a control intervention and reported an ADL measure. Touch perception disorder: no trials measuring ADL compared an intervention with no treatment or with a control intervention. Visual perception disorders: no trials measuring ADL compared an intervention with no treatment or control. In addition, six trials reported ADL outcomes in a comparison of active intervention versus active intervention, relating to somatosensation (three trials), touch (one trial) and vision (two trials). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Following a detailed, systematic search, we identified limited RCT evidence of the effectiveness of interventions for perceptual disorders following stroke. There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the suggestion that perceptual interventions are effective. More high-quality trials of interventions for perceptual disorders in stroke are needed. They should recruit sufficient participant numbers, include a 'usual care' comparison, and measure longer-term functional outcomes, at time points beyond the initial intervention period. People with impaired perception following a stroke should continue to receive neurorehabilitation according to clinical guidelines.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Activities of Daily Living; Perceptual Disorders; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Vision Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36326118
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007039.pub3 -
Archives of Physical Medicine and... Nov 2022To assess exercise therapies that aim to enhance proprioception in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess exercise therapies that aim to enhance proprioception in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).
DATA SOURCES
Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO) were searched in October 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials involving exercise therapy conducted on individuals with CAI were included.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers using a standardized form. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The end trial weighted mean difference and standard deviations were analyzed, and the synthetic value for the improvement in error scores of ankle joint position sense in multiple directions was evaluated.
RESULTS
Eleven trials with 333 participants were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and were included in the network meta-analysis. Foot and ankle muscle strengthening exercise showed the highest probability of being among the best treatments (surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA]=74.6%). The next 2 were static balance exercise only (SUCRA=67.9%) and corrective exercise (SUCRA=56.1%). The SUCRA values of proprioceptive exercise, dynamic balance exercise only, aquatic exercise, rehabilitation exercise with brace, mixed static/dynamic balance exercise, and control were at relatively low levels and scored at 49.6%, 48.8%, 47.8%, 47.7%, 44.0%, and 13.5%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Foot and ankle muscle strengthening exercise may have a good effect when used to improve joint position sense in individuals with CAI. The more complex balance exercise intervention becomes, the less effective the proprioceptive outcome.
Topics: Humans; Ankle; Network Meta-Analysis; Joint Instability; Ankle Joint; Proprioception; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 35550140
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.04.007 -
Archives of Physical Medicine and... May 2022To evaluate the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) for phantom limb pain (PLP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) for phantom limb pain (PLP).
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CNKI, and WanFang Data were used to search for studies published up to March 31, 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the pain intensity of MT for PLP were performed. A total of 2094 articles were found. Among them, 10 were eligible for the final analysis.
DATA EXTRACTION
The quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale by 2 independent reviewers. Outcome data were pooled according to follow-up intervals (1, 3, 6, and 12mo). Duration times were used as a basis for distinguishing subgroups. The primary evaluation was by visual analog scale. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of studies.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in pain in the MT group vs the control group within 1 month (I=0%; standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.79 to -0.13; P = .007). The patients with pain for longer than 1 year benefited more from MT (I=0%; SMD=-0.46; 95% CI, -0.85 to -0.07; P = .02).
CONCLUSIONS
MT has beneficial effects for patients with PLP in the short-term, as evidenced by their improved pain scores. There was no evidence that MT had a long-term effect, but that may be a product of limited data. For patients with long-term PLP, MT may be an effective treatment.
Topics: Humans; Mirror Movement Therapy; Pain Measurement; Phantom Limb; Physical Therapy Modalities; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34461084
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.07.810