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International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2020The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature...
The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register of the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus, with the aim of identifying all published studies on RT and BCS from 1 January 1990 to 6 December 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0). Sixteen trials were included for qualitative analysis. More than half of the trials do not adequately report the characteristics that make up the exercise program. The maximal strength was the most frequently monitored manifestation of strength, evaluated mainly as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Resistance training was performed on strength-training machines, twice a week, using a load between 50% and 80% of 1RM. The trials reported significant improvement in muscle strength, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and minor changes in aerobic capacity.
Topics: Aged; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Resistance Training
PubMed: 32906761
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186511 -
European Journal of Physical and... Feb 2021Speech difficulties, such as dysarthria or aphasia, in addition to motor impairments are frequently seen in post-stroke patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Speech difficulties, such as dysarthria or aphasia, in addition to motor impairments are frequently seen in post-stroke patients.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Literature searches with the keywords: "stroke" and "dysarthria" and "diagnosis" and "stroke" and "dysarthria" and "assessment" were conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to perform the systematic review about the methods used to measure the severity of dysarthria in subjects post-stroke. The search was performed by two authors from 15 January to 22 February 2020. The research identified a total of 402 articles for the search using the keywords "stroke" and "dysarthria," and "diagnosis" and 84 references for the search using the keywords "stroke" and "dysarthria" and "assessment." Sixty-nine selected articles were analyzed by the reviewers. Thirty-seven publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Thirty-two articles were excluded for several reasons: 1) 12 involved individuals with aphasia or other speech problems different from dysarthria; 2) 12 examined different topics from our aim; and 3) eight did not include post-stroke cases.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The systematic review identified methods for measuring the severity of post-stroke dysarthria. The meta-analysis showed the acoustic parameters affected in dysarthria secondary to stroke and the differences in these parameters after speech therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
The alternating and sequential motion rate (AMR- Pə, AMR-Tə, AMR-Kə, and SMR-PəTəKə) and maximum phonation time were significantly improved after speech rehabilitation.
Topics: Dysarthria; Humans; Speech Therapy; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 32519528
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.20.06242-5 -
European Journal of Physical and... Feb 2022Stroke is the most common cause of disability in Western Countries. It can lead to loss of mobility, capability to walk and ultimately loss of independence in activities... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Stroke is the most common cause of disability in Western Countries. It can lead to loss of mobility, capability to walk and ultimately loss of independence in activities of daily living (ADL). Several rehabilitative approaches have been proposed in these years. Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation (RAGT) plays a crucial role to perform a repetitive, intensive, and task-oriented treatment in stroke survivors. However, there are still few data on its role in subacute stroke patients.
AIM
The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of RAGT for gait recovery in subacute stroke survivors.
DESIGN
Systematic review with meta-analysis.
SETTING
The setting of the study included Units of Rehabilitation.
POPULATION
The analyzed population was represented by subacute stroke patients.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and PEDro were systematically searched until January 18, 2021, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) presenting: stroke survivors in subacute phase (≤6 months) as participants; exoskeleton robots devices as intervention; conventional rehabilitation as a comparator; gait assessment, through qualitative scales, quantitative gait scales or quantitative parameters, as outcome measures. We also performed a meta-analysis of the mean difference in the functional ambulation category (FAC) via the random effect method.
RESULTS
Out of 3188 records, 14 RCTs were analyzed in this systematic review. The 14 studies have been published in the last 14 years (from 2006 to 2021) and included 576 stroke survivors, of which 306 received RAGT, and 270 underwent conventional rehabilitation. Lokomat robotic system was the most investigated robotic exoskeleton by the RCTs included (N.=9), albeit the meta-analysis demonstrated a non-significant difference of -0.09 in FAC (95% CI: -0.22.0.03) between Lokomat and conventional therapy. According to the PEDro scale, 11 (78.5%) were classified as good-quality studies, two as fair-quality studies (14.3%), and one as poor-quality study (7.1%).
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these findings showed that RAGT might have a potential role in gait recovery in subacute stroke survivors. However, further RCTs comparing the efficacy of RAGT with conventional physical therapy are still warranted in the neurorehabilitation field.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT
This systematic review provides information on the efficacy of RAGT in allowing subacute stroke patients to perform high-intensity gait training with a lower physical burden on PRM professionals.
Topics: Exoskeleton Device; Gait; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Humans; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 34247470
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.06846-5 -
Physical Therapy Oct 2019Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive technology that allows customized treatment and may help in delivering effective person-centered rehabilitation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive technology that allows customized treatment and may help in delivering effective person-centered rehabilitation.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this review was to systematically review and critically appraise the controlled clinical trials that investigated VR effectiveness in orthopedic rehabilitation.
DATA SOURCES
Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, REHABDATA, and Sage publications were searched up to September 2018. In addition, manual searching and snowballing using Scopus and Web of Science were done.
STUDY SELECTION
Two reviewers screened studies for eligibility first by title and abstract and then full text.
DATA EXTRACTION
Articles were categorized into general or region-specific (upper limbs, lower limbs, and spine) orthopedic disorders. Study quality was assessed using the Evaluation Guidelines for Rating the Quality of an Intervention Study scoring. Meta-analysis quantified VR effectiveness, compared with no treatment, in back pain.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Nineteen studies were included in the quality assessment. The majority of the studies were of moderate quality. Fourteen studies showed that VR did not differ compared with exercises. Compared with the no-treatment control, 5 studies favored VR and 3 other studies showed no differences. For low back pain, the meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between VR and no-treatment control (n = 116; standardized mean difference = -0.21; 95% confidence interval = -0.58 to 0.15).
LIMITATIONS
Limitations included heterogeneity in interventions and the outcome measures of reviewed studies. Only articles in English were included.
CONCLUSION
The evidence of VR effectiveness is promising in chronic neck pain and shoulder impingement syndrome. VR and exercises have similar effects in rheumatoid arthritis, knee arthritis, ankle instability, and post-anterior cruciate reconstruction. For fibromyalgia and back pain, as well as after knee arthroplasty, the evidence of VR effectiveness compared with exercise is absent or inconclusive.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain; Orthopedics; Rehabilitation; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 31343702
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz093 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Aug 2022Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are emerging technologies in the field of stroke rehabilitation that have the potential to overcome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Examining the effectiveness of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VAMR) therapy for upper limb recovery and activities of daily living in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are emerging technologies in the field of stroke rehabilitation that have the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional treatment. Enhancing upper limb (UL) function is critical in stroke impairments because the upper limb is involved in the majority of activities of daily living (ADL).
METHODS
This study reviewed the use of virtual, augmented and mixed reality (VAMR) methods for improving UL recovery and ADL, and compared the effectiveness of VAMR treatment to conventional rehabilitation therapy. The databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science were examined, and 50 randomized control trials comparing VAMR treatment to standard therapy were determined. The random effect model and fixed effect model are applied based on heterogeneity.
RESULTS
The most often used outcomes of UL recovery and ADL in stroke rehabilitation were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), followed by the Box and Block Test (BBT), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). According to the meta-analysis, VR, AR, and MR all have a significant positive effect on improving FMA-UE for UL impairment (36 studies, MD = 3.91, 95 percent CI = 1.70-6.12, P = 0.0005) and FIM for ADL (10 studies, MD = 4.25, 95 percent CI = 1.47-7.03, P = 0.003), but not on BBT and WMFT for the UL function tests (16 studies, MD = 2.07, 95 percent CI = - 0.58-4.72, P = 0.13), CONCLUSIONS: VAMR therapy was superior to conventional treatment in UL impairment and daily function outcomes, but not UL function measures. Future studies might include further high-quality trials examining the effect of VR, AR, and MR on UL function measures, with an emphasis on subgroup meta-analysis by stroke type and recovery stage.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Augmented Reality; Humans; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 36002898
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01071-x -
European Journal of Heart Failure Dec 2023Despite strong evidence, access to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) remains low across global healthcare systems. We provide a contemporary update of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
Despite strong evidence, access to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) remains low across global healthcare systems. We provide a contemporary update of the Cochrane review randomized trial evidence for ExCR for adults with heart failure (HF) and compare different delivery modes: centre-based, home-based (including digital support), and both (hybrid).
METHODS AND RESULTS
Databases, bibliographies of previous systematic reviews and included trials, and trials registers were searched with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials, recruiting adults with HF, assigned to either ExCR or a no-exercise control group, with follow-up of ≥6 months were included. Two review authors independently screened titles for inclusion, extracted trial and patient characteristics, outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes of mortality, hospitalization, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were pooled across trials using meta-analysis at short-term (≤12 months) and long-term follow-up (>12 months) and stratified by delivery mode. Sixty trials (8728 participants) were included. In the short term, compared to control, ExCR did not impact all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.21), reduced all-cause hospitalization (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.86, number needed to treat: 13, 95% CI 9-22), and was associated with a clinically important improvement in HRQoL measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHF) overall score (mean difference: -7.39; 95% CI -10.30 to -4.47). Improvements in outcomes with ExCR was seen across centre, home (including digitally supported), and hybrid settings. A similar pattern of results was seen in the long term (mortality: RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72-1.04; all-cause hospitalization: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70-1.01, MLWHF: -9.59, 95% CI -17.48 to -1.50).
CONCLUSIONS
To improve global suboptimal levels of uptake for HF patients, global healthcare systems need to routinely recommend ExCR and offer a choice of mode of delivery, dependent on an individual patient's level of risk and complexity.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Heart Failure; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37850321
DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.3046 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Feb 2021Gait disorders can reduce the quality of life for people with neuromuscular impairments. Therefore, walking recovery is one of the main priorities for counteracting...
Gait disorders can reduce the quality of life for people with neuromuscular impairments. Therefore, walking recovery is one of the main priorities for counteracting sedentary lifestyle, reducing secondary health conditions and restoring legged mobility. At present, wearable powered lower-limb exoskeletons are emerging as a revolutionary technology for robotic gait rehabilitation. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview on wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for people with neuromuscular impairments, addressing the following three questions: (1) what is the current technological status of wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation?, (2) what is the methodology used in the clinical validations of wearable lower-limb exoskeletons?, and (3) what are the benefits and current evidence on clinical efficacy of wearable lower-limb exoskeletons? We analyzed 87 clinical studies focusing on both device technology (e.g., actuators, sensors, structure) and clinical aspects (e.g., training protocol, outcome measures, patient impairments), and make available the database with all the compiled information. The results of the literature survey reveal that wearable exoskeletons have potential for a number of applications including early rehabilitation, promoting physical exercise, and carrying out daily living activities both at home and the community. Likewise, wearable exoskeletons may improve mobility and independence in non-ambulatory people, and may reduce secondary health conditions related to sedentariness, with all the advantages that this entails. However, the use of this technology is still limited by heavy and bulky devices, which require supervision and the use of walking aids. In addition, evidence supporting their benefits is still limited to short-intervention trials with few participants and diversity among their clinical protocols. Wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation are still in their early stages of development and randomized control trials are needed to demonstrate their clinical efficacy.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Exercise Therapy; Exoskeleton Device; Gait; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Humans; Lower Extremity; Quality of Life; Research Design; Robotics; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33526065
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00815-5 -
Archives of Physical Medicine and... Oct 2023This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and ranking of robot-assisted training, virtual reality, and robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and ranking of robot-assisted training, virtual reality, and robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with virtual reality in improving balance, gait, and daily function in patients with stroke.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses abstracting and indexing databases were comprehensively searched to include randomized controlled trials published through August 31, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials comparing robot-assisted training, virtual reality, robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with virtual reality, and conventional therapy to assess the effects on balance, gait, and daily function of patients with stroke.
DATA EXTRACTION
The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. A network meta-analysis of random effects models was performed for direct and indirect effects. Data were analyzed using Stata SE 17.0 and R 4.2.1.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 52 randomized controlled trials involving 1,559 participants were included in this study. Based on the ranking probabilities, robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with virtual reality was most effective in improving balance (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]=82.0%; mean difference [MD]=4.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43 to 7.67). Virtual reality was most effective in improving velocity (SUCRA=97.8%; MD=-0.15; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.06) and daily function (SUCRA=92.1%; MD=-7.85; 95% CI, -15.18 to -1.07).
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to robot-assisted training and conventional therapy, robot-assisted training combined virtual reality was most likely the best intervention for balance, and virtual reality might be the most helpful in improving daily function for patients after stroke. Further studies are needed to clarify the specific efficacy of robot-assisted training combined with virtual reality and virtual reality on gait.
Topics: Humans; Stroke Rehabilitation; Robotics; Activities of Daily Living; Network Meta-Analysis; Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy; Stroke; Gait; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37119954
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.04.005 -
Neurology Feb 2020In the past decade, an increasing number of studies have examined the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in people with Huntington disease (HD).
OBJECTIVE
In the past decade, an increasing number of studies have examined the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in people with Huntington disease (HD).
METHODS
We performed a mixed-methods systematic review using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and included experimental and observational study designs. The search resulted in 23 quantitative studies and 3 qualitative studies from which we extracted data using JBI standardized extraction tools. Results of this review suggested that physical therapy interventions may improve motor impairments and activity limitations in people with HD. Here, we expand on the review findings to provide specific recommendations to guide clinical practice.
RESULTS
We recommend the following specific physical therapy interventions for people with HD: aerobic exercise (grade A evidence), alone or in combination with resistance training to improve fitness and motor function, and supervised gait training (grade A evidence) to improve spatiotemporal features of gait. In addition, there is weak (grade B) evidence that exercise training improves balance but does not show a reduction in the frequency of falls; inspiratory and expiratory training improves breathing function and capacity; and training of transfers, getting up from the floor, and providing strategies to caregivers for involvement in physical activity in the midstages of HD may improve performance. There is expert consensus for the use of positioning devices, seating adaptations, and caregiver training in late stages of HD.
CONCLUSIONS
There is strong evidence to support physical therapy interventions to improve fitness, motor function, and gait in persons with HD.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Breathing Exercises; Caregivers; Exercise; Humans; Huntington Disease; Moving and Lifting Patients; Physical Therapy Modalities; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Resistance Training
PubMed: 31907286
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008887 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Jun 2020The aquatic environment has unique properties, such a buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and resistance, which can be used to gain a range of exercise benefits.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The aquatic environment has unique properties, such a buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and resistance, which can be used to gain a range of exercise benefits. During the last decade, hydrotherapy has spread in a very heterogeneous rehabilitation field. However, the efficacy of this kind of rehabilitation is not clear in scientific literature. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative results of physical therapy treatments in an aquatic setting for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
METHOD
PRISMA guidelines were used to carry out the systematic review and meta-analysis. Three bibliographic databases were searched: MEDLINE, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Papers included in the study have the following characteristics: (a) a randomized controlled trial design of research and (b) published in English. The quality of the clinical trials included were evaluated according to a Jadad score and through meta-analysis.
RESULTS
After the elimination of duplicates, 116 records were screened. Among these, 11 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Ten of these were involved in the meta-analysis. From the qualitative analysis, a larger number of studies were found with a high level of quality. Most of the results of the quantitative analysis were statistically significant (p< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Aquatic physical therapy is a valid means of rehabilitation for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The integration of this methodological approach with conventional physical therapy is recommended. Nevertheless, more studies, a larger number of participants, and short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up are required to confirm current results.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Hydrotherapy; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurological Rehabilitation; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 32114368
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102022