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Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Feb 2022Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength. Despite the seriousness of this disease, a single diagnostic criterion has not yet been established. Few... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength. Despite the seriousness of this disease, a single diagnostic criterion has not yet been established. Few studies have reported the prevalence of sarcopenia globally, and there is a high level of heterogeneity between studies, stemmed from the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia and the target population. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were (i) to identify and summarize the diagnostic criteria used to define sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia and (ii) to estimate the global and region-specific prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia by sociodemographic factors.
METHODS
Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collections were searched using relevant MeSH terms. The inclusion criteria were cross-sectional or cohort studies in individuals aged ≥18 years, published in English, and with muscle mass measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance, or computed tomography (CT) scan. For the meta-analysis, studies were stratified by diagnostic criteria (classifications), cut-off points, and instruments to assess muscle mass. If at least three studies reported the same classification, cut-off points, and instrument to measure muscle mass, they were considered suitable for meta-analysis. Following this approach, 6 classifications and 23 subgroups were created. Overall pooled estimates with inverse-variance weights obtained from a random-effects model were estimated using the metaprop command in Stata.
RESULTS
Out of 19 320 studies, 263 were eligible for the narrative synthesis and 151 for meta-analysis (total n = 692 056, mean age: 68.5 years). Using different classifications and cut-off points, the prevalence of sarcopenia varied between 10% and 27% in the studies included for meta-analysis. The highest and lowest prevalence were observed in Oceania and Europe using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and EWGSOP2, respectively. The prevalence ranged from 8% to 36% in individuals <60 years and from 10% to 27% in ≥60 years. Men had a higher prevalence of sarcopenia using the EWGSOP2 (11% vs. 2%) while it was higher in women using the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (17% vs. 12%). Finally, the prevalence of severe sarcopenia ranged from 2% to 9%.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia varied considerably according to the classification and cut-off point used. Considering the lack of a single diagnostic for sarcopenia, future studies should adhere to current guidelines, which would facilitate the comparison of results between studies and populations across the globe.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Electric Impedance; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 34816624
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12783 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jun 2022In recent years, efforts have been made to implement virtual reality (VR) to support the delivery of poststroke upper extremity motor rehabilitation exercises.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effectiveness of Using Virtual Reality-Supported Exercise Therapy for Upper Extremity Motor Rehabilitation in Patients With Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, efforts have been made to implement virtual reality (VR) to support the delivery of poststroke upper extremity motor rehabilitation exercises. Therefore, it is important to review and analyze the existing research evidence of its effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, this study examined the effectiveness of using VR-supported exercise therapy for upper extremity motor rehabilitation in patients with stroke.
METHODS
This study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on December 31, 2021. Changes in outcomes related to impairments in upper extremity functions and structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in life situations from baseline to after intervention, after intervention to follow-up assessment, and baseline to follow-up assessment were examined. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether the differences in treatment outcomes depended on age, stroke recovery stage, VR program type, therapy delivery format, similarities in intervention duration between study groups, intervention duration in VR groups, and trial length.
RESULTS
A total of 42 publications representing 43 trials (aggregated sample size=1893) were analyzed. Compared with the control groups that used either conventional therapy or no therapy, the intervention groups that used VR to support exercise therapy showed significant improvements in upper extremity motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity; SMD 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.68; P<.001), range of motion (goniometer; SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.50-1.52; P<.001), muscle strength (Manual Muscle Testing; SMD 0.79, 95% CI 0.28-1.30; P=.002), and independence in day-to-day activities (Functional Independence Measure; SMD 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.40; P=.01, and modified Rankin Scale; SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.01-1.12; P=.046). Significant subgroup differences were observed in hand dexterity (Box and Block Test), spasticity (Ashworth Scale or modified Ashworth Scale), arm and hand motor ability (Wolf Motor Function Test and Manual Function Test), hand motor ability (Jebsen Hand Function Test), and quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale). There was no evidence that the benefits of VR-supported exercise therapy were maintained after the intervention ended.
CONCLUSIONS
VR-supported upper extremity exercise therapy can be effective in improving motor rehabilitation results. Our review showed that of the 12 rehabilitation outcomes examined during the course of VR-based therapy, significant improvements were detected in 2 (upper extremity motor function and range of motion), and both significant and nonsignificant improvements were observed in another 2 (muscle strength and independence in day-to-day activities), depending on the measurement tools or methods used.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021256826; https://tinyurl.com/2uarftbh.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recovery of Function; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 35723907
DOI: 10.2196/24111 -
Age and Ageing Mar 2016weak grip strength is a key component of sarcopenia and is associated with subsequent disability and mortality. We have recently established life course normative data... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
weak grip strength is a key component of sarcopenia and is associated with subsequent disability and mortality. We have recently established life course normative data for grip strength in Great Britain, but it is unclear whether the cut points we derived for weak grip strength are suitable for use in other settings. Our objective was to investigate differences in grip strength by world region using our data as a reference standard.
METHODS
we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for reporting age- and gender-stratified normative data for grip strength. We extracted each item of normative data and converted it on to a Z-score scale relative to our British centiles. We performed meta-regression to pool the Z-scores and compare them by world region.
FINDINGS
our search returned 806 abstracts. Sixty papers met inclusion criteria and reported on 63 different samples. Seven UN regions were represented, although most samples (n = 44) were based in developed regions. We extracted 726 normative data items relating to 96,537 grip strength observations. Normative data from developed regions were broadly similar to our British centiles, with a pooled Z-score 0.12 SDs (95% CI: 0.07, 0.17) above the corresponding British centiles. By comparison, normative data from developing regions were clearly lower, with a pooled Z-score of -0.85 SDs (95% CI: -0.94, -0.76).
INTERPRETATION
our findings support the use of our British grip strength centiles and their associated cut points in consensus definitions for sarcopenia and frailty across developed regions, but highlight the need for different cut points in developing regions.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Consensus; Female; Frail Elderly; Geriatric Assessment; Hand Strength; Health Status Indicators; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Weakness; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Sarcopenia; Sex Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 26790455
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afv192 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022Resistance training is considered to be an efficient treatment for age-related sarcopenia and can improve muscle strength and quality in patients. However, there are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Resistance training is considered to be an efficient treatment for age-related sarcopenia and can improve muscle strength and quality in patients. However, there are currently no recommendations on resistance training parameters to improve muscle strength and quality in elderly patients with sarcopenia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and included 13 eligible RCTs. Resistance training significantly improved grip strength, gait speed, and skeletal muscle index in patients with age-related sarcopenia, and kettlebell was found to be the most effective modality. However, it is noteworthy that the elastic band is also a recommended form of resistance training considering that the kettlebell intervention was tested in only one study, while the elastic band was confirmed by multiple studies. Elastic band training (Hedges's g = 0.629, 95%CI = 0.090-1.168, < 0.05) (40-60 min per session, more than three times per week for at least 12 weeks) was the most efficient training method. Thus, resistance training can significantly improve muscle strength and muscle quality in elderly patients with sarcopenia. In addition, moderate-intensity resistance training using elastic bands may be the best training prescription for elderly patients with sarcopenia.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Resistance Training; Sarcopenia; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Hand Strength
PubMed: 36497565
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315491 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Oct 2020Sarcopenia prevalence and its clinical impact are reportedly variable in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due partly to definition criteria. This review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sarcopenia prevalence and its clinical impact are reportedly variable in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due partly to definition criteria. This review aimed to identify the criteria used to diagnose sarcopenia and the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia on health outcomes in people with COPD. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018092576). Five electronic databases were searched to August 2018 to identify studies related to sarcopenia and COPD. Study quality was assessed using validated instruments matched to study designs. Sarcopenia prevalence was determined using authors' definitions. Comparisons were made between people who did and did not have sarcopenia for pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life, muscle strength, gait speed, physical activity levels, inflammation/oxidative stress, and mortality. Twenty-three studies (70% cross-sectional) from Europe (10), Asia (9), and North and South America (4) involving 9637 participants aged ≥40 years were included (69.5% men). Sarcopenia criteria were typically concordant with recommendations of hEuropean and Asian consensus bodies. Overall sarcopenia prevalence varied from 15.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.8-19.1; combined muscle mass, strength, and/or physical performance criteria] to 34% (95%CI 20.6-47.3; muscle mass criteria alone) (P = 0.009 between subgroups) and was greater in people with more severe [37.6% (95%CI 24.8-50.4)] versus less severe [19.1% (95%CI 10.2-28.0)] lung disease (P = 0.020), but similar between men [41.0% (95%CI 26.2-55.9%)] and women [31.9% (95%CI 7.0-56.8%)] (P = 0.538). People with sarcopenia had lower predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (mean difference -7.1%; 95%CI -9.0 to -5.1%) and poorer exercise tolerance (standardized mean difference -0.8; 95%CI -1.4 to -0.2) and quality of life (standardized mean difference 0.26; 95%CI 0.2-0.4) compared with those who did not (P < 0.001 for all). No clear relationship was observed between sarcopenia and inflammatory or oxidative stress biomarkers. Incident mortality was unreported in the literature. Sarcopenia is prevalent in a significant proportion of people with COPD and negatively impacts upon important clinical outcomes. Opportunities exist to optimize its early detection and management and to evaluate its impact on mortality in this patient group.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 32862514
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12600 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022Immediate dentin sealing (IDS) involves applying an adhesive system to dentin directly after tooth preparation, before impression. This was considered an alternate to... (Review)
Review
Immediate dentin sealing (IDS) involves applying an adhesive system to dentin directly after tooth preparation, before impression. This was considered an alternate to delayed dentin sealing (DDS), a technique in which hybridization is performed following the provisional phase and just before the indirect restoration luting procedure. This study aimed to compare the bond strength of restorations to dentin of the IDS and the DDS techniques throughout a systematic review and meta-analysis. The following PICOS framework was used: population, indirect restorations; intervention, IDS; control, DDS; outcomes, bond strength; and study design, in vitro studies. PubMed (MedLine), The Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, Scielo, Scopus, and Embase were screened up to January 2022 by two reviewers (L.H. and R.B.). In vitro papers studying the bond strength to human dentin of the IDS technique compared to the DDS technique were considered. Meta-analyses were carried out by using a software program (Review Manager v5.4.1; The Cochrane Collaboration). Comparisons were made by considering the adhesive used for bonding (two-step etch-and-rinse, three step etch-and-rinse, one-step self-etch, two-step self-etch, and universal adhesives). A total of 3717 papers were retrieved in all databases. After full-text assessment, 22 potentially eligible studies were examined for qualitative analysis, leaving a total of 21 articles for the meta-analysis. For the immediate bond strength, regardless of the adhesive strategy used, the IDS technique improved the bond strength of restorations to the dentin (p < 0.001). Taking into account the subgroup analysis, it seems that the use of the IDS technique with a two-step etch-and-rinse or a one-step self-etch adhesive system does not represent any advantage over the DDS technique (p = 0.07, p = 0.15). On the other hand, for the aged bond strength, regardless of the adhesive strategy used, the IDS technique improved the bond strength of restorations to the dentin (p = 0.001). The subgroups analysis shows that this improvement is observed only when a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (p < 0.001) or when a combination of an adhesive system plus a layer of flowable resin (p = 0.01) is used. The in vitro evidence suggests that the use of the IDS technique improves the bond strength of dentin to resin-based restorations regardless of the adhesive strategy used. The use of a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system or the combination of an adhesive system plus a layer of flowable resin seems to considerably enhance the bond strength in the long term.
PubMed: 35323288
DOI: 10.3390/gels8030175 -
Ageing Research Reviews Dec 2022The potential role of Tai Chi in improving sarcopenia and frailty has been shown in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The potential role of Tai Chi in improving sarcopenia and frailty has been shown in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of Tai Chi on muscle mass, muscle strength, physical function, and other geriatric syndromes in elderly individuals with sarcopenia and frailty.
METHODS
Systematic searches of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Medline databases for RCTs published between 1989 and 2022 were conducted; the database searchers were supplemented with manual reference searches. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) the study was designed as a RCT; (2) Tai Chi was one of the intervention arms; (3) the participants had a minimum age of ≥ 60 years and were diagnosed with frailty or sarcopenia, and the diagnostic guidelines or criteria were mentioned; (4) the number of participants in each arm was ≥ 10; and (5) the outcome reports included ≥ 1 item from the following primary or secondary outcomes. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) non-RCT studies; (2) nonhuman subjects; (3) participants aged < 60 years; (4) no description of the diagnostic guidelines or criteria for frailty or sarcopenia in the text; and (5) reported outcomes not among the following primary or secondary outcomes. The primary outcomes were muscle mass, grip strength and muscle performance (gait speed, 30-second chair stand test (30CST), sit-to-stand test (SST), Timed up and go test (TUGT), balance, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)). The secondary outcomes included the number of falls and fear of falling (FOF), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and depression and quality of life (QOL) assessments.
RESULTS
Eleven RCTs were conducted from 1996 to 2022 in 5 countries that investigated 1676 sarcopenic or frail elderly individuals were included in the review. There were 804 participants in the Tai Chi exercise cohort and 872 participants in the control cohort (nonexercised (n = 5)/ exercise (n = 8)). The mean age of participants was 70-89.5 years and the numbers of participants from each arm in each study were 10-158. The majority of the participants practiced Yang-style Tai Chi (n = 9), and the numbers of movement ranged from 6 to 24. The prescriptions of training were 8-48 weeks, 2-7 sessions per weeks, and 30-90 min per session. Most studies used Tai Chi expert as instructor (n = 8). The lengths of follow-up period were 8-48 weeks. The results from our meta-analysis revealed significant improvements for Tai Chi compared to control group (nonexercise/ exercise) on measures of the 30CST (weighted mean difference (WMD): 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-3.21, p < 0.00001, I = 87%), the TUGT (WMD: -0.72, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.34, p = 0.0002, I =0%), numbers of fall (WMD: -0.41, 95% CI -0.64 to -0.17, p = 0.0006, I =0%) and FOF (standardized MD (SMD): -0.50, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.22, p = 0.0006, I = 57%); and for Tai Chi compared to 'nonexercise' controls on measures of SST (WMD: -2.20, 95% CI -2.22 to -2.18, p < 0.00001), balance (SMD: 9.85, 95% CI 8.88-10.82, p < 0.00001), DBP (WMD: -7.00, 95% CI -7.35 to -6.65, p < 0.00001), MMSE (WMD: 1.91, 95% CI 1.73-2.09, p < 0.00001, I =0%), depression (SMD: -1.37, 95% CI -1.91 to -0.83, p < 0.00001) and QOL (SMD: 10.72, 95% CI 9.38-12.07, p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences between Tai Chi and control groups on any of the remaining 4 comparisons: body muscle mass (WMD: 0.53, 95% CI -0.18 to 1.24; P = 0.14; I =0%), grip strength (WMD: -0.06, 95% CI -1.98 to 1.86; P = 0.95; I =0%), gait speed (WMD: 0.05, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.20; P = 0.55; I =99%), and SPPB (WMD: 0.55, 95% CI -0.04 to 1.14; P = 0.07). The variables of bias summary, Tai Chi instructor, Tai Chi movements, and Tai Chi training duration without significant association with the 30CST or the TUGT through meta-regression analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrated that patients with frailty or sarcopenia who practiced Tai Chi exhibited improved physical performance in the 30-second chair stand test, the Timed up and go test, number of falls and fear of falling. However, there was no difference in muscle mass, grip strength, gait speed, or Short Physical Performance Battery score between the Tai Chi and control groups. Improvements in the sit-to-stand test, balance, diastolic blood pressure, Mini-Mental State Examination score, and depression and quality of life assessments were found when comparing the Tai Chi cohort to the nonexercise control cohort rather than the exercise control cohort. To explore the effectiveness of Tai Chi in sarcopenic and frail elderly individuals more comprehensively, a standardized Tai Chi training prescription and a detailed description of the study design are suggested for future studies.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Tai Ji; Sarcopenia; Frailty; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 36223875
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101747 -
Ageing Research Reviews May 2021Engaging in physical activity (PA) and avoiding sedentary behavior (SB) are important for healthy ageing with benefits including the mitigation of disability and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The association of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior with skeletal muscle strength and muscle power in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Engaging in physical activity (PA) and avoiding sedentary behavior (SB) are important for healthy ageing with benefits including the mitigation of disability and mortality. Whether benefits extend to key determinants of disability and mortality, namely muscle strength and muscle power, is unclear.
AIMS
This systematic review aimed to describe the association of objective measures of PA and SB with measures of skeletal muscle strength and muscle power in community-dwelling older adults.
METHODS
Six databases were searched from their inception to June 21, 2020 for articles reporting associations between objectively measured PA and SB and upper body or lower body muscle strength or muscle power in community dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. An overview of associations was visualized by effect direction heat maps, standardized effect sizes were estimated with albatross plots and summarized in box plots. Articles reporting adjusted standardized regression coefficients (β) were included in meta-analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 112 articles were included representing 43,796 individuals (range: 21 to 3726 per article) with a mean or median age from 61.0 to 88.0 years (mean 56.4 % female). Higher PA measures and lower SB were associated with better upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), upper body muscle power (arm curl), lower body muscle strength, and lower body muscle power (chair stand test). Median standardized effect sizes were consistently larger for measures of PA and SB with lower compared to upper body muscle strength and muscle power. The meta-analyses of adjusted β coefficients confirmed the associations between total PA (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) with hand grip strength (β = 0.041, β = 0.057, and β = 0.070, respectively, all p ≤ 0.001), and TPA and MVPA with chair stand test (β = 0.199 and β = 0.211, respectively, all p ≤ 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Higher PA and lower SB are associated with greater skeletal muscle strength and muscle power, particularly with the chair stand test.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Exercise; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 33607291
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101266 -
Nutrients Jun 2022Nutritional ergogenic aids (NEAs) are substances included within the group of sports supplements. Although they are widely consumed by athletes, evidence-based analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Nutritional ergogenic aids (NEAs) are substances included within the group of sports supplements. Although they are widely consumed by athletes, evidence-based analysis is required to support training outcomes or competitive performance in specific disciplines. Combat sports have a predominant use of anaerobic metabolism as a source of energy, reaching peak exertion or sustained effort for very short periods of time. In this context, the use of certain NEAs could help athletes to improve their performance in those specific combat skills (i.e., the number of attacks, throws and hits; jump height; and grip strength, among others) as well as in general physical aspects (time to exhaustion [TTE], power, fatigue perception, heart rate, use of anaerobic metabolism, etc.). Medline/PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO were searched from their inception to May 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Out of 677 articles found, 55 met the predefined inclusion criteria. Among all the studied NEAs, caffeine (5-10 mg/kg) showed strong evidence for its use in combat sports to enhance the use of glycolytic pathways for energy production during high-intensity actions due to a greater production of and tolerance to blood lactate levels. In this regard, abilities including the number of attacks, reaction time, handgrip strength, power and TTE, among others, were improved. Buffering supplements such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and beta-alanine may have a promising role in high and intermittent exertion during combat, but more studies are needed in grappling combat sports to confirm their efficacy during sustained isometric exertion. Other NEAs, including creatine, beetroot juice or glycerol, need further investigation to strengthen the evidence for performance enhancement in combat sports. Caffeine is the only NEA that has shown strong evidence for performance enhancement in combat sports.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Performance; Caffeine; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 35807770
DOI: 10.3390/nu14132588 -
PloS One 2014Physical therapy (PT) is one of the key disciplines in interdisciplinary stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an update of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Physical therapy (PT) is one of the key disciplines in interdisciplinary stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an update of the evidence for stroke rehabilitation interventions in the domain of PT.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding PT in stroke rehabilitation were retrieved through a systematic search. Outcomes were classified according to the ICF. RCTs with a low risk of bias were quantitatively analyzed. Differences between phases poststroke were explored in subgroup analyses. A best evidence synthesis was performed for neurological treatment approaches. The search yielded 467 RCTs (N = 25373; median PEDro score 6 [IQR 5-7]), identifying 53 interventions. No adverse events were reported. Strong evidence was found for significant positive effects of 13 interventions related to gait, 11 interventions related to arm-hand activities, 1 intervention for ADL, and 3 interventions for physical fitness. Summary Effect Sizes (SESs) ranged from 0.17 (95%CI 0.03-0.70; I(2) = 0%) for therapeutic positioning of the paretic arm to 2.47 (95%CI 0.84-4.11; I(2) = 77%) for training of sitting balance. There is strong evidence that a higher dose of practice is better, with SESs ranging from 0.21 (95%CI 0.02-0.39; I(2) = 6%) for motor function of the paretic arm to 0.61 (95%CI 0.41-0.82; I(2) = 41%) for muscle strength of the paretic leg. Subgroup analyses yielded significant differences with respect to timing poststroke for 10 interventions. Neurological treatment approaches to training of body functions and activities showed equal or unfavorable effects when compared to other training interventions. Main limitations of the present review are not using individual patient data for meta-analyses and absence of correction for multiple testing.
CONCLUSIONS
There is strong evidence for PT interventions favoring intensive high repetitive task-oriented and task-specific training in all phases poststroke. Effects are mostly restricted to the actually trained functions and activities. Suggestions for prioritizing PT stroke research are given.
Topics: Humans; Muscle Strength; Physical Therapy Modalities; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 24505342
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087987