Effectiveness of electrical stimulation therapy in improving arm function after stroke: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1286-1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jheng-Dao Yang ◽  
Chun-De Liao ◽  
Shih-Wei Huang ◽  
Ka-Wai Tam ◽  
Tsan-Hon Liou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Electrical Stimulation Therapy ◽  
Body Function ◽  
Arm Function ◽  
Stimulation Group

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation in arm function recovery after stroke. Methods: Data were obtained from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases from their inception until 12 January 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effects of electrical stimulation on the recovery of arm function after stroke were selected. Results: Forty-eight RCTs with a total of 1712 patients were included in the analysis. The body function assessment, Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment, indicated more favorable outcomes in the electrical stimulation group than in the placebo group immediately after treatment (23 RCTs ( n = 794): standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51–0.84) and at follow-up (12 RCTs ( n = 391): SMD = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.35–0.97). The activity assessment, Action Research Arm Test, revealed superior outcomes in the electrical stimulation group than those in the placebo group immediately after treatment (10 RCTs ( n = 411): SMD = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.39–1.02) and at follow-up (8 RCTs ( n = 289): SMD = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.34–1.52). Other activity assessments, including Wolf Motor Function Test, Box and Block Test, and Motor Activity Log, also revealed superior outcomes in the electrical stimulation group than those in the placebo group. Comparisons between three types of electrical stimulation (sensory, cyclic, and electromyography-triggered electrical stimulation) groups revealed no significant differences in the body function and activity. Conclusion: Electrical stimulation therapy can effectively improve the arm function in stroke patients.

scholarly journals A Review of Marital Intimacy-Enhancing Interventions among Married Individuals

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Kardan-Souraki ◽  
Zeinab Hamzehgardeshi ◽  
Ismail Asadpour ◽  
Reza Ali Mohammadpour ◽  
Soghra Khani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Marital Intimacy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Lack of intimacy is currently the main concern rather than main concern of the experts in psychology and counseling. It is considered as one of the most important causes for divorce and as such to improve marital intimacy a great number of interventions have been proposed in the literature. Intimacy training and counseling make the couples take effective and successful steps to increase marital intimacy. No study has reviewed the interventions promoting marital intimacy after marriage. Thus, this review study aimed to classify the articles investigating the impact of interventional programs on marital intimacy after marriage.</p><p><strong>SEARCH METHODS:</strong> In April 2015, we performed a general search in Google Scholar search engines, and then we did an advanced search the databases of Science Direct, ProQuest, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Pubmed, Scopus, <a href="http://www.cochranelibrary.com/">Cochrane Library</a>, and Psych info; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Also, lists of the references of the relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations. Using Medical Subject Headings (MESH) keywords: Intervention (Clinical Trials, Non-Randomized Controlled Trials, Randomized Controlled Trials, Education), intimacy, marital (Marriage) and selected related articles to the study objective were from 1995 to April 2015. Clinical trials that evaluated one or more behavioral interventions to improve marital intimacy were reviewed in the study.</p><p><strong>MAIN RESULTS:</strong> 39 trials met the inclusion criteria. Eleven interventions had follow-up, and 28 interventions lacked follow-up. The quality evidence for 22 interventions was low, for 15 interventions moderate, and for one intervention was considered high. Findings from studies were categorized in 11 categories as the intimacy promoting interventions in dimensions of emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, temporal, communicational, social and recreational, aesthetic, spiritual, intellectual intimacy, and total intimacy.</p><p><strong>AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS:</strong> Improving and promoting communication, problem solving, self-disclosure and empathic response skills and sexual education and counseling in the form of cognitive-behavioral techniques and based on religious and cultural context of each society, an effective step can be taken to enhance marital intimacy and strengthen family bonds and stability. Health care providers should consider which interventions are appropriate to the couple characteristics and their relationships.</p>

Intralesional steroids and endoscopic dilation for anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Endoscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (09) ◽  
pp. 721-726
Author(s):  
Chandra S. Dasari ◽  
Ramprasad Jegadeesan ◽  
Harsh K. Patel ◽  
Madhav Desai ◽  
Muhammad Aziz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Steroid Injection ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Endoscopic Dilation ◽  
Steroid Group ◽  
Anastomotic Strictures ◽  
Local Steroid Injection

Abstract Background Post-esophagectomy anastomotic strictures are difficult to treat. The impact of adding local steroid injection to endoscopic dilation for the treatment of post-esophagectomy anastomotic strictures is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of performing steroid injection in addition to dilation. Methods A search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of endoscopic dilation plus either local steroid injection (steroid group) or saline injection (placebo group) were included in the analysis. Results Three RCTs were eligible for the final analysis: 72 patients (mean age 61.3 years, 74 % male) in the steroid group and 72 patients (mean age 59.6 years, 71 % male) in the placebo group. The mean number of dilations required to resolve the stricture was significantly lower in the steroid group compared with the placebo group, with a mean weighted difference of –1.62 (95 % confidence interval [CI] –2.73 to –0.50; P = 0.004). After 6 months of follow-up, there was a trend toward more patients in the steroid group remaining dysphagia free compared with the placebo group, with a pooled odds ratio of 2.36 (95 %CI 0.94 to 5.91; P = 0.07, I2  = 24 %). Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that the addition of local steroid injection at the time of dilation for benign anastomotic strictures led to a significant decrease in the number of procedures required to resolve the stricture and may well reduce dysphagia symptoms during follow-up.

scholarly journals Gastric Electrical Stimulation with the Enterra System: A Systematic Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikhil Lal ◽  
Sam Livemore ◽  
Declan Dunne ◽  
Iftikhar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
Gastric Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
System A ◽  
Gastric Emptying Time

Background. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a surgically implanted treatment option for refractory gastroparesis.Aim. To systematically appraise the current evidence for the use of gastric electrical stimulation and suggest a method of standardisation of assessment and follow-up in these patients.Methods. A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, DISCOVER, and Cochrane Library was conducted using the keywords including gastric electrical stimulation, gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting and neuromodulation, stomach, central nervous system, gastric pacing, electrical stimulation, and gastrointestinal.Results. 1139 potentially relevant articles were identified, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria and were included. The quality of studies was variable. There was a variation in outcome measures and follow-up methodology. Included studies suggested significant reductions in symptom severity reporting over the study period, but improvements in gastric emptying time were variable and rarely correlated with symptom improvement.Conclusion. The evidence in support of gastric electrical stimulation is limited and heterogeneous in quality. While current evidence has shown a degree of efficacy in these patients, high-quality, large clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of this therapy and to identify the patients for whom this therapy is inappropriate. A consensus view on essential preoperative assessment and postoperative measurement is needed.

scholarly journals Incidence and prognostic factors of knee extension deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nalan Ektas ◽  
Corey Scholes ◽  
Meredith Harrison-Brown ◽  
Maha Jegatheesan ◽  
Ashwin Rajesh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Acl Injury ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Extension Deficit ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ABSTRACTBackground and aimsKnee extension deficits complicate recovery from ACL injury and reconstruction, however the incidence of knee extension loss is not well defined. The aim of this review was to identify the incidence of loss of extension (LOE) following ACL rupture and reconstruction, explore the definitions of knee extension deficits reported and identify prognostic factors affecting LOE incidence.Methods and analysisA systematic search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Library and PEDro for studies in publication up to September 2019, with no restrictions on publication year. References were screened and assessed for inclusion using predetermined eligibility criteria. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that quantified knee angle, loss of extension or incidence of extension deficit were included for quality assessment and data extraction. Statistical summaries were generated and meta-analyses performed in two parts to examine: (i) the probability of a datapoint being zero incidence compared to a non-zero incidence, and (ii) the relationship between the predictors and non-zero LOE incidence.ResultsA sample of 8594 papers were retrieved using the search criteria, with 48 studies meeting eligibility criteria. Pooled results from 4065 participants were included for analysis, with 3965 participants who had undergone ACLR. The proportion of included studies judged at an overall low risk of bias was small (6%). The analysis revealed median LOE incidence of 15.9% (IQR 1.4 - 46.5) at a median follow up from treatment of 4.9 months (IQR 1.9 - 24). Median LOE incidence was 23 % (IQR 8.4 - 50.0) for the subset of studies reporting up to 12 months of follow up. The observed group and study were the most important predictors for whether a datapoint reported an incidence of extension deficit. Time to follow up (P < 0.001) and graft type (P = 0.02) were found to have a significant influence on non-zero LOE incidence (%).ConclusionsThis review examined the definitions for the measurement and interpretation of postoperative knee extension, and established the trajectory of knee extension deficit after ACL injury and reconstruction. While factors associated with loss of extension were identified, the trajectory of knee extension deficits were difficult to infer due to discrepancies in measurement techniques and patient variation. Clinicians should expect up to 1 in 3 patients to present postoperatively with loss of extension of at least 3 degrees, which may partially resolve over time. Future work should focus on the development of a standardised framework for postoperative measurement and reporting of LOE.

scholarly journals Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Hemiplegic Upper Limb of Stroke Survivors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyue Zhang ◽  
Shuye Pei ◽  
Juan Huang ◽  
Yao Tang ◽  
Huaidong Hu
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background: Whether NMES helps the recovery of upper limb function in patients with hemiparesis has not been confirmed. We conducted this meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for upper limb hemiparesis after stroke.Methods: Data sources such as Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were searched for all relevant studies that were carried out before December 1, 2018.We selected the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which included chronic and acute stroke patients with upper extremity dysfunction. Then the intervention group which applied NMES was compared with a control group without NMES. Results: A total of 16 RCTs involving 691 patients were discerned from 248 searched articles. According to the forest plot ,NMES had a significant benefit on FMA-ue scale(SMD=0.44,95%CI 0.13 to 0.74,P=0.006).Also, NMES was positive for ARAT(SMD=0.31,95%CI 0.05 to 0.58,P=0.019)and MAL-AOU(SMD=0.59,95%CI 0.15 to1.04,P=0.009),but not for wrist MAS(SMD=-0.12,95%CI -0.43 to 0.19,P=0.434) or BI(SMD=0.51,95%CI -0.65 to 1.66,P=0.392).Conclusion: NMES application has beneficial impacts on upper extremity motor function in patients with stroke. This study suggests that NMES ought to be applied as a beneficial rehabilitation means in improving the upper function.

scholarly journals Are Surgical Patients Satisfied With Remote Consultations? A Comparison of Remote Versus Conventional Outpatient Clinic Follow-Up for Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237437352110359
Author(s):  
Emily V Oates ◽  
Grace H C Lim ◽  
Edward J Nevins ◽  
Venkatesh Kanakala
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Surgical Patients ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Surgical Patient ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Cost

Access to remote appointments (RA) by telephone or video is increasing as technology advances and becomes more available to patients. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to discover whether surgical patients are satisfied with RAs when compared with conventional outpatient clinics (OPC). A literature search of RCTs of surgical patient satisfaction of RAs versus OPC appointments was performed. The PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to include articles from January 2000 to 2020. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to compare outcomes. All 7 RCTs showed that patients were as satisfied with RAs as OPC appointments (RR = 1.00, [0.98-1.02]; P = .73). Furthermore, both patient cohorts would prefer RAs for future follow-up (RR = 2.29, [1.96-2.97]; P < .00001). One RCT found the cost to institutions was less in the RA group ($19.05 vs $52.76) and another found the patients would save $9.96 on transportation costs. The majority of RCTs suggested cost to patients and or institutions would be less for RA. In conclusion, surgical patients are satisfied with RAs and in fact would prefer them.

scholarly journals Effects of Dexamethasone on Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction and Delirium in Adults Following General Anaesthesia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Qin Li ◽  
Cong Wang ◽  
Mei-Dan Fang ◽  
Hong-Yu Xu ◽  
Hong-Liu Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
General Anesthesia ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Dexamethasone Group ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Several studies have investigated the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) or postoperative delirium (POD); however, their conclusions have not been consistent. So we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the effects of dexamethasone on POCD/POD in adults following general anesthesia. Methods Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, 2018, Issue 11 of 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched November 17, 2018); MEDLINE OvidSP (1946 to November 16, 2018); and Embase OvidSP (1974 to November 16, 2018) were searched for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the incidence of POCD/POD following dexamethasone administration, in adults (age ≥18 years) under general anesthesia. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework to assess the quality of evidence. Results Five studies were included (three studies/855 participants in dexamethasone group and 538 participants in placebo group for the incidence of POCD, and two studies/410 participants in dexamethasone group and 420 participants in placebo group for the incidence of POD). There was no significant difference between the dexamethasone group and the placebo group in terms of the incidence of POCD in 30 days after surgery (RR 1.00; 95% CI [0.51, 1.96], P = 1.00, I2 = 77%) or in the incidence of POD (RR 0.96; 95% CI [0.68, 1.35], P = 0.80, I2 = 0%). However, both analyses had some limitations since evidence remains limited and clinical heterogeneity, and we considered the quality of the evidence for the postoperative incidence of POCD and POD to be very low. Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed that prophylactic dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of POCD and POD. Trials of alternative prevent strategies for POCD/POD, and a better understanding of the pathophysiology of those complex syndrome, are still needed to make progress of this field. Trial registration number: This study is registered with PROSPERO, 23 October 2018, number CRD42018114552.

Su1452 Analyses of Long-Term Follow-Up of Gastric Electrical Stimulation Therapy and Pyloroplasty for Refractory Gastroparesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 148 (4) ◽  
pp. S-516
Author(s):  
Irene Sarosiek ◽  
Brian R. Davis ◽  
Yvette Gomez ◽  
Jerzy Sarosiek ◽  
Richard W. McCallum
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Gastric Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Electrical Stimulation Therapy ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

scholarly journals PRP Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cartilage ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 194760352093117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Filardo ◽  
Davide Previtali ◽  
Francesca Napoli ◽  
Christian Candrian ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Quality Of Evidence ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant

Objective To evaluate effectiveness, in terms of patient-reported outcome measures, of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for knee osteoarthritis compared to placebo and other intraarticular treatments. Design PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, as well as the gray literature were searched on January 17, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PRP injections with placebo or other injectable treatments, in any language, on humans, were included. Risk of bias was assessed following the Cochrane guidelines; quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE guidelines. Results Thirty-four RCTs, including 1403 knees in PRP groups and 1426 in control groups, were selected. WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) score favored PRP, with a statistically and clinically significant difference versus placebo at 12-month follow-up ( P = 0.02) and versus HA (hyaluronic acid) at 6-month ( P < 0.001) and 12-month ( P < 0.001) follow-ups. A clinically significant difference favoring PRP versus steroids was documented for VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) pain ( P < 0.001), KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) pain ( P < 0.001), function in daily activities ( P = 0.001), and quality of life ( P < 0.001) at 6-month follow-up. However, superiority of PRP did not reach the minimal clinically important difference for all outcomes, and quality of evidence was low. Conclusions The effect of platelet concentrates goes beyond its mere placebo effect, and PRP injections provide better results than other injectable options. This benefit increases over time, being not significant at earlier follow-ups but becoming clinically significant after 6 to 12 months. However, although substantial, the improvement remains partial and supported by low level of evidence. This finding urges further research to confirm benefits and identify the best formulation and indications for PRP injections in knee OA.

scholarly journals Use of Integra for Reconstruction after Nevi Resection: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Reported Cases

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Jude Opoku-Agyeman ◽  
Kayla Humenansky ◽  
Wellington Davis ◽  
Paul Glat
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Closure Rate

Background. The use of Integra Dermal Reconstruction Template has emerged as an option for wound reconstruction, after resection of congenital nevi, especially giant congenital nevi. There have been many reports on Integra use in the literature for this purpose. This systematic review with pooled analysis examines the current literature regarding Integra use after resection of congenital nevi, including patient characteristics and reported outcomes. Methods. Systematic electronic searches were performed using PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for studies reporting the use of Integra to reconstruct defects after nevi resection. Studies were analyzed if they met the inclusion criteria. Pooled descriptive statistics were performed. Results. Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis, yielding 31 procedures in 31 patients. Eleven of the thirteen studies were case reports representing 17 of the 31 patients. One study was retrospective, and the other study was a prospective study. The mean follow-up was 2.67 years (range, 0.2–13 years). The overall wound closure rate was 100%. The overall initial Integra take rate was 90.3% and the skin graft take rate was 100%. The rate of reported complications was 14.8%. The average age of patients was 7.36 years. The average size of the nevus was 6.29% TBSA (range, 0.005%–26%), and the time to definitive skin grafting was 3.28 weeks. Significant heterogeneity was found among the published studies. Conclusion. We conclude that the use of Integra appears to be a safe and viable option for defect reconstruction after the primary or secondary excision of congenital nevi of different sizes and on most parts of the body. Long-term follow-up studies and prospective cohort studies are required in order to fully estimate the incidence of complications. However, the rarity of this condition make these types of studies very difficult.

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