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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2019Many survivors of stroke report attentional impairments, such as diminished concentration and distractibility. However, the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Many survivors of stroke report attentional impairments, such as diminished concentration and distractibility. However, the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for improving these impairments is uncertain.This is an update of the Cochrane Review first published in 2000 and previously updated in 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether people receiving cognitive rehabilitation for attention problems 1. show better outcomes in their attentional functions than those given no treatment or treatment as usual, and 2. have a better functional recovery, in terms of independence in activities of daily living, mood, and quality of life, than those given no treatment or treatment as usual.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycBITE, REHABDATA and ongoing trials registers up to February 2019. We screened reference lists and tracked citations using Scopus.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included controlled clinical trials (CCTs) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cognitive rehabilitation for impairments of attention for people with stroke. We did not consider listening to music, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness to be a form of cognitive rehabilitation. We only considered trials that selected people with demonstrable or self-reported attentional deficits. The primary outcomes were measures of global attentional functions, and secondary outcomes were measures of attentional domains (i.e. alertness, selective attention, sustained attention, divided attention), functional abilities, mood, and quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included no new trials in this update. The results are unchanged from the previous review and are based on the data of six RCTs with 223 participants. All six RCTs compared cognitive rehabilitation with a usual care control. Meta-analyses demonstrated no convincing effect of cognitive rehabilitation on subjective measures of attention either immediately after treatment (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.03 to 1.08; P = 0.06; 2 studies, 53 participants; very low-quality evidence) or at follow-up (SMD 0.16, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.56; P = 0.41; 2 studies, 99 participants; very low-quality evidence). People receiving cognitive rehabilitation (when compared with control) showed that measures of divided attention recorded immediately after treatment may improve (SMD 0.67, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.98; P < 0.0001; 4 studies, 165 participants; low-quality evidence), but it is uncertain that these effects persisted (SMD 0.36, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.76; P = 0.08; 2 studies, 99 participants; very low-quality evidence). There was no evidence for immediate or persistent effects of cognitive rehabilitation on alertness, selective attention, and sustained attention. There was no convincing evidence for immediate or long-term effects of cognitive rehabilitation for attentional problems on functional abilities, mood, and quality of life after stroke.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for attention deficits following stroke remains unconfirmed. The results suggest there may be an immediate effect after treatment on attentional abilities, but future studies need to assess what helps this effect persist and generalise to attentional skills in daily life. Trials also need to have higher methodological quality and better reporting.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Attention; Cognition Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Humans; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 31706263
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002842.pub3 -
BioMed Research International 2019Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. The use of virtual reality (VR)...
BACKGROUND
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often associated with long-term impairments related to functional limitations in the sensorimotor system. The use of virtual reality (VR) technology may lead to increased motivation and engagement, besides allowing a wide range of possible tasks/exercises to be implemented in rehabilitation programs. The present review aims to investigate the possible benefits and efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation in individuals with SCI.
METHODS
An electronically systematic search was performed in multiple databases (PubMed, BVS, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Scielo) up to May 2019. MESH terms and keywords were combined in a search strategy. Two reviewers independently selected the studies in accordance with eligibility criteria. The PEDro scale was used to score the methodological quality and risk of bias of the selected studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies (including 482 participants, 47.6 ± 9.5 years, 73% male) were selected and discussed. Overall, the studies used VR devices in different rehabilitation protocols to improve motor function, driving skills, balance, aerobic function, and pain level, as well as psychological and motivational aspects. A large amount of heterogeneity was observed as to the study design, VR protocols, and outcome measures used. Only seven studies (28%) had an excellent/good quality of evidence. However, substantial evidence for significant positive effects associated with VR therapy was found in most of the studies (88%), with no adverse events (88%) being reported.
CONCLUSION
Although the current evidence is limited, the findings suggest that VR-based rehabilitation in subjects with SCI may lead to positive effects on aerobic function, balance, pain level, and motor function recovery besides improving psychological/motivational aspects. Further high-quality studies are needed to provide a guideline to clinical practice and to draw robust conclusions about the potential benefits of VR therapy for SCI patients. Protocol details are registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42016052629).
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Spinal Cord Injuries; Telerehabilitation; Treatment Outcome; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 31828120
DOI: 10.1155/2019/7106951 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Digital physiotherapy, often referred to as "Telerehabilitation", consists of applying rehabilitation using telecommunication technologies. The objective is to evaluate... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Digital physiotherapy, often referred to as "Telerehabilitation", consists of applying rehabilitation using telecommunication technologies. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise when it is telematically prescribed.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, SportDiscus and PEDro (30 December 2022). The results were obtained by entering a combination of MeSH or Emtree terms with keywords related to telerehabilitation and exercise therapy. RCTs on patients over 18 years and two groups were included, one working with therapeutic exercise through telerehabilitation and one working with conventional physiotherapy group.
RESULTS
a total of 779 works were found. However, after applying the inclusion criteria, only 11 were selected. Telerehabilitation is most frequently used to treat musculoskeletal, cardiac and neurological pathologies. The preferred telerehabilitation tools are videoconferencing systems, telemonitoring and online platforms. Exercise programs ranged from 10 to 30 min and were similar in both intervention and control groups. In all the studies, results proved to be similar for telerehabilitation and face-to-face rehabilitation in both groups when measuring functionality, quality of life and satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
this review generally concludes that intervention through telerehabilitation programs is as feasible and efficient as conventional physiotherapy in terms of functionality level and quality of life. In addition, telerehabilitation shows high levels of patients' satisfaction and adherence, being values equivalent to traditional rehabilitation.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Telerehabilitation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise Therapy; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 36901375
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054358 -
Sports Health 2023Knee muscle atrophy and weakness are common impairments after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training represents a new...
CONTEXT
Knee muscle atrophy and weakness are common impairments after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training represents a new approach to treat such impairments. However, limited evidence currently exists to support this intervention in related patients.
OBJECTIVE
To appraise literature comparing the effects of BFR training with conventional therapy on knee muscle morphological and strength properties in ACL-reconstructed patients.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register databases were searched for relevant articles from January 1991 through April 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Articles were minimum Level 3 evidence focusing on knee muscle morphologic as well as extensor and flexor strength outcomes in ACL-reconstructed patients of all graft types.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 2.
DATA EXTRACTION
Critical appraisal instruments (Downs and Black checklist, Cochrane Collaboration tool, ROBINS-1 tool) were used to evaluate study quality. We independently calculated effect sizes (ESs) (Cohen ) between groups in each study. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy grading scale was used for clinical recommendations.
RESULTS
Six articles (4 randomized control studies, 1 nonrandomized study, and 1 case-control study) met inclusion criteria. Exercises paired with BFR training included open kinetic chain, closed kinetic chain, and passive applications. Diverse assessments and time of intervention were observed across studies. ESs ranged from trivial to large in favor of BFR training for muscle morphological ( = 0.06 to 0.81) and strength assessments ( = -0.12 to 1.24) with CIs spanning zero.
CONCLUSION
At this time, grade B or inconsistent and limited-quality patient-oriented evidence exists to support using BFR training to improve or maintain thigh muscle size as well as knee extensor and flexor strength in ACL-reconstructed patients. ESs indicated no consistent clinically meaningful differences when compared with conventional therapy. Subsequent analyses should be repeated as new evidence emerges to update practice guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Blood Flow Restriction Therapy; Case-Control Studies; Exercise Therapy; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 35130790
DOI: 10.1177/19417381211070834 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Apr 2023The axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a surgical breast cancer sequel that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol times of application of cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a surgical breast cancer sequel that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol times of application of cancer treatments. This implies a long period of discomfort and limitations for the user.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the different physiotherapy treatments for the AWS and how effective they are.
METHODS
A systematic review based on PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021281354) was conducted. The research was performed using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro, and Web of Science databases during January 2022 and March 2022. All randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included in this review.
RESULTS
A total of 188 articles were identified, with 9 studies selected for the systematic review. These studies basically propose treatments based on exercises and stretching, manual therapy, and the combination of manual therapy and exercises.
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise and stretching are the most effective therapies within the field of physiotherapy for the rehabilitation of axillary web syndrome. They restore range of motion faster, reduce pain, improve quality of life, and reduce disabilities. Manual therapy, scar massage, and myofascial release could help improve outcomes but with worse results. The meta-analysis conclusion is that pain is the only outcome with a significant reduction after the application of physiotherapy treatments - 0.82 [- 1.67; 0.03]. This conclusion is drawn from the only three studies with small sample sizes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise Therapy; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Pain
PubMed: 37043039
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07666-x -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2020Electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait-training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to improve walking after stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait-training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to improve walking after stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2007 and previously updated in 2017.
OBJECTIVES
Primary • To determine whether electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training versus normal care improves walking after stroke Secondary • To determine whether electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training versus normal care after stroke improves walking velocity, walking capacity, acceptability, and death from all causes until the end of the intervention phase SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched 6 January 2020); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020 Issue 1), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE in Ovid (1950 to 6 January 2020); Embase (1980 to 6 January 2020); the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982 to 20 November 2019); the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED; 1985 to 6 January 2020); Web of Science (1899 to 7 January 2020); SPORTDiscus (1949 to 6 January 2020); the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro; searched 7 January 2020); and the engineering databases COMPENDEX (1972 to 16 January 2020) and Inspec (1969 to 6 January 2020). We handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, checked reference lists, and contacted trial authors in an effort to identify further published, unpublished, and ongoing trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials and randomised controlled cross-over trials in people over the age of 18 years diagnosed with stroke of any severity, at any stage, in any setting, evaluating electromechanical- and robot-assisted gait training versus normal care.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants walking independently at follow-up.
MAIN RESULTS
We included in this review update 62 trials involving 2440 participants. Electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy increased the odds of participants becoming independent in walking (odds ratio (random effects) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51 to 2.69; 38 studies, 1567 participants; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%; high-quality evidence) and increased mean walking velocity (mean difference (MD) 0.06 m/s, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.10; 42 studies, 1600 participants; P = 0.004; I² = 60%; low-quality evidence) but did not improve mean walking capacity (MD 10.9 metres walked in 6 minutes, 95% CI -5.7 to 27.4; 24 studies, 983 participants; P = 0.2; I² = 42%; moderate-quality evidence). Electromechanical-assisted gait training did not increase the risk of loss to the study during intervention nor the risk of death from all causes. Results must be interpreted with caution because (1) some trials investigated people who were independent in walking at the start of the study, (2) we found variation between trials with respect to devices used and duration and frequency of treatment, and (3) some trials included devices with functional electrical stimulation. Post hoc analysis showed that people who are non-ambulatory at the start of the intervention may benefit but ambulatory people may not benefit from this type of training. Post hoc analysis showed no differences between the types of devices used in studies regarding ability to walk but revealed differences between devices in terms of walking velocity and capacity.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
People who receive electromechanical-assisted gait training in combination with physiotherapy after stroke are more likely to achieve independent walking than people who receive gait training without these devices. We concluded that eight patients need to be treated to prevent one dependency in walking. Specifically, people in the first three months after stroke and those who are not able to walk seem to benefit most from this type of intervention. The role of the type of device is still not clear. Further research should consist of large definitive pragmatic phase 3 trials undertaken to address specific questions about the most effective frequency and duration of electromechanical-assisted gait training, as well as how long any benefit may last. Future trials should consider time post stroke in their trial design.
Topics: Aged; Bias; Cause of Death; Combined Modality Therapy; Confidence Intervals; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Equipment Design; Exercise Therapy; Gait; Humans; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Orthotic Devices; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Robotics; Stroke Rehabilitation; Walking; Walking Speed
PubMed: 33091160
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006185.pub5 -
Pediatric Physical Therapy : the... Jul 2022To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of motor intervention on motor function of infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of motor intervention on motor function of infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP).
METHODS
Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of motor interventions for children with or at high risk of CP younger than 36 months. Studies were excluded if less than 50% of children developed CP.
RESULTS
Eleven RCTs included 363 children; 85% diagnosed with CP. Very low-quality evidence supports that: (1) task-specific motor training was more effective than standard care for improving motor function (small effect), (2) constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) may be more effective than bimanual play or massage for improving function of the more affected hand (moderate effect), and high-intensity treadmill training is no more effective than low-intensity for improving walking.
CONCLUSIONS
Very low-quality evidence supports that task-specific motor training and CIMT may improve motor function of infants and toddlers with CP.The Supplemental Digital Content Video Abstract is available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A382 .
Topics: Cerebral Palsy; Child, Preschool; Hand; Humans; Infant; Massage; Physical Therapy Modalities; Walking
PubMed: 35671383
DOI: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000914 -
European Journal of Preventive... Jun 2020In heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients the effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on top of state-of-the-art... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: The Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcome Study in Heart Failure (CROS-HF): A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
In heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients the effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on top of state-of-the-art pharmacological and device therapy on mortality, hospitalization, exercise capacity and quality-of-life are not well established.
DESIGN
The design of this study involved a structured review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Evaluation of randomised controlled trials of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in HFrEF-patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% of any aetiology with a follow-up of ≥6 months published in 1999 or later.
RESULTS
Out of 12,229 abstracts, 25 randomised controlled trials including 4481 HFrEF-patients were included in the final evaluation. Heterogeneity in study population, study design and exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation-intervention was evident. No significant difference in the effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on mortality compared to control-group was found (hazard ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.39-1.41, four studies; 12-months follow-up: relative risk 1.29, 95% confidence interval 0.66-2.49, eight studies; six-months follow-up: relative risk 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.26-3.16, seven studies). In addition there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to 'hospitalization-for-any-reason' (12-months follow-up: relative risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.41-1.53, four studies), or 'hospitalization-due-to-heart-failure' (12-months follow-up: relative risk 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.12-2.91, four studies; six-months follow-up: relative risk 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.07-9.71, three studies). All studies show improvement of exercise capacity. Participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation significantly improved quality-of-life as evaluated with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire: (six-months follow-up: mean difference 1.94, 95% confidence interval 0.35-3.56, two studies), but no significant results emerged for quality-of-life measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (nine-months or more follow-up: mean difference -4.19, 95% confidence interval -10.51-2.12, seven studies; six-months follow-up: mean difference -5.97, 95% confidence interval -16.17-4.23, four studies).
CONCLUSION
No association between exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and mortality or hospitalisation could be observed in HFrEF patients but exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is likely to improve exercise capacity and quality of life.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Stroke Volume; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Young Adult
PubMed: 31177833
DOI: 10.1177/2047487319854140 -
Physical Therapy May 2021Telerehabilitation is an option that should be adapted as soon as possible to face the crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019. An umbrella and mapping review with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Telerehabilitation is an option that should be adapted as soon as possible to face the crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019. An umbrella and mapping review with meta-meta-analysis (MMA) of the available scientific evidence was performed to determine whether telerehabilitation could be an effective alternative to conventional rehabilitation in physical therapist practice.
METHODS
A systematic review of reviews and a synthesis of the findings of all systematic evidence published to date with a visual map and a meta-meta-analysis (MMA) were performed. A systematic search was realized in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE (PubMed), and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers performed a data analysis and assessed the quality of the included reviews, assessing the risk of bias using ROBIS.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected and divided according to the type of patient targeted for rehabilitation (patients with cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions). The MMA regarding physical function between telerehabilitation and usual care rehabilitation did not reveal a statistically significant difference for patients with cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal conditions. For patients with neurological conditions, the MMA revealed a statistically significant but negligible effect size in 6 reviews in favor of telerehabilitation (standardized mean difference = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.03-0.34).
CONCLUSION
The results of the present review showed that telerehabilitation offers positive clinical results, even comparable to conventional face-to-face rehabilitation approaches.
IMPACT
The advantages of lower cost and less interference by the rehabilitation processes in patients' daily life could justify implementing telerehabilitation in clinical settings in the coronavirus disease 2019 era.
Topics: COVID-19; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Pandemics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Review Literature as Topic; SARS-CoV-2; Telerehabilitation
PubMed: 33611598
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab075 -
Physical Therapy May 2023Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that use minimal equipment for exercise training, rather than gymnasium equipment, would enable delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that use minimal equipment for exercise training, rather than gymnasium equipment, would enable delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation to a greater number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effectiveness of minimal equipment programs in people with COPD is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation using minimal equipment for aerobic and/or resistance training in people with COPD.
METHODS
Literature databases were searched up to September 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of minimal equipment programs with usual care or with exercise equipment-based programs for exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and strength.
RESULTS
Nineteen RCTs were included in the review and 14 RCTs were included in the meta-analyses, which reported low to moderate certainty of evidence. Compared with usual care, minimal equipment programs increased 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) by 85 m (95% CI = 37 to 132 m). No difference in 6MWD was observed between minimal equipment and exercise equipment-based programs (14 m, 95% CI = -27 to 56 m). Minimal equipment programs were more effective than usual care for improving HRQoL (standardized mean difference = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.31 to 1.67) and were not different from exercise equipment-based programs for improving upper limb strength (6 N, 95% CI = -2 to 13 N) or lower limb strength (20 N, 95% CI = -30 to 71 N).
CONCLUSION
In people with COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation programs using minimal equipment elicit clinically significant improvements in 6MWD and HRQoL and are comparable with exercise equipment-based programs for improving 6MWD and strength.
IMPACT
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs using minimal equipment may be a suitable alternative in settings where access to gymnasium equipment is limited. Delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation programs using minimal equipment may improve access to pulmonary rehabilitation worldwide, particularly in rural and remote areas and in developing countries.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Resistance Training; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance
PubMed: 37140475
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzad013