scholarly journals Effect of Robot Training on Walking Ability, Balance Ability and Motor Function in Stroke Patients: A Meta-analysis

Author(s):  
Cong Liu ◽  
Xing Wang ◽  
Jianghua Zhu
Author(s):  
Narayanaswamy Venketasubramanian

Abstract Objectives Stroke survivors dissatisfied with their progress often seek complementary and alternative interventions (CAI). This paper reviews the evidence for CAIs in stroke recovery. Methods A literature search was performed for publications until December 2019 of CAI for stroke in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED. Evidence was assessed according to Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine criteria. Results In a meta-analysis, acupuncture reduced death or dependency compared to control at the end of follow-up and over the long term (≥3 months), OR 0.61(95%CI 0.46–0.79) and OR 0.67(95%CI 0.53–0.85) respectively, but was neutral against sham acupuncture. A Cochrane review of acupuncture vs. sham acupuncture in subacute or chronic stroke vs. showed no differences in motor function and quality of life. Three trials found favourable effects of moxibustion on motor function (SMD=0.72, 95%CI 0.37–1.08, p<0.0001). Two trials showed cupping compared to acupuncture reduced hemiplegic shoulder pain and upper-limb ‘myodynamia’. A meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicines for ischaemic stroke showed marked improvement in neurological deficit on stroke scales. There was no evidence for Ayurveda, homoeopathy or reiki. Tui-na reduced the Modified Ashworth Scale in some muscle groups. Marma massage improved Motricity Index and trunk control. Thai massage and herbal treatments improved the Barthel Index. On meta-analysis, Yoga improved memory and anxiety, while tai-chi improved activities of daily living, balance and walking ability. Studies were generally of poor quality. Conclusions The evidence for benefit of CAIs for stroke recovery is weak. More research is needed to justify these treatments for stroke, by well-conducted, adequately-sized, double-blinded, randomized controlled trials.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 847-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifang Xiang ◽  
Jing Sun ◽  
Xiang Tang ◽  
Kebin Zeng ◽  
Xiushu Wu

Objective: The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on limb movement recovery post-stroke and cortex excitability, to explore the optimal parameters of rTMS and suitable stroke population. Second, adverse events were also included. Data sources: The databases of PubMed, EBSCO, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Science and Technology Journals Database were searched for randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of rTMS on limb motor function recovery post-stroke before December 2018. Review methods: The effect sizes of rTMS on limb motor recovery, the effect size of rTMS stimulation parameters, and different stroke population were summarized by calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval using fixed/random effect models as appropriate. Results: For the motor function assessment, 42 eligible studies involving 1168 stroke patients were identified. The summary effect size indicated that rTMS had positive effects on limb motor recovery (SMD = 0.50, P < 0.00001) and activities of daily living (SMD = 0.82, P < 0.00001), and motor-evoked potentials of the stimulated hemisphere differed according to the stimulation frequency, that is, the high-frequency group (SMD = 0.57, P = 0.0006), except the low-frequency group (SMD = –0.27, P = 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the stimulation parameter subgroups except for the sessions subgroup ( P = 0.02). Only 10 included articles reported transient mild discomfort after rTMS. Conclusions: rTMS promoted the recovery of limb motor function and changed the cortex excitability. rTMS may be better for early and pure subcortical stroke patients. Regarding different stimulation parameters, the number of stimulation sessions has an impact on the effect of rTMS.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1277-1285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzu-Hsuan Peng ◽  
Jun-Ding Zhu ◽  
Chih-Chi Chen ◽  
Ruei-Yi Tai ◽  
Chia-Yi Lee ◽  
...  

Objective:This study was to investigate the effectiveness of action observation therapy on arm and hand motor function, walking ability, gait performance, and activities of daily living in stroke patients.Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Data sources:Searches were completed in January 2019 from electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and OTseeker.Review methods:Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and evaluated the study quality by the PEDro scale. The pooled effect sizes on different aspects of outcome measures were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the impact of stroke phases on treatment efficacy.Results:Included were 17 articles with 600 patients. Compared with control treatments, the action observation therapy had a moderate effect size on arm and hand motor outcomes (Hedge’s g = 0.564; P < 0.001), a moderate to large effect size on walking outcomes (Hedge’s g = 0.779; P < 0.001), a large effect size on gait velocity (Hedge’s g = 0.990; P < 0.001), and a moderate to large effect size on activities of daily function (Hedge’s g = 0. 728; P = 0.004). Based on subgroup analyses, the action observation therapy showed moderate to large effect sizes in the studies of patients with acute/subacute stroke or those with chronic stroke (Hedge’s g = 0.661 and 0.783).Conclusion:This review suggests that action observation therapy is an effective approach for stroke patients to improve arm and hand motor function, walking ability, gait velocity, and daily activity performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Lixia Zhang ◽  
Wei He ◽  
Xuemei Zheng ◽  
Zhengrui Zhao ◽  
...  

We aimed to explore whether motor function and activities of daily life (ADL) could be improved with the application of visual deprivation in two patients with Pusher syndrome complicated by hemispatial neglect after right basal ganglia stroke. We assessed two stroke patients suffering from severe motor disturbances, both tilting heavily to the left, with diagnoses of Pusher syndrome and left hemispatial neglect. Vision in the left eye was deprived using patches during clinical rehabilitation. Motor function promotion was confirmed using the Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS), Fugl–Meyer Balance Scale (FMBS), and Holden grade (HG), while the Barthel index (BI) assessed ADL immediately and 1 week after intervention. Both patients regained standing balance immediately using visual deprivation, as well as walking ability, although both scored 0 on the FMBS and HG. After 1 week of treatment, one patient increased to 11 and 3 on the FMBS and HG, respectively, while the BLS score decreased from 12 to 2, and the ADL increased from 23 to 70. The other patient demonstrated increases to 10 and 3 on the FMBS and HG, respectively, with the BLS decreasing from 13 to 3, and the ADL increasing from 25 to 60. Therefore, in the rehabilitation treatment of Pusher syndrome complicated by hemispatial neglect due to basal ganglia stroke, visual deprivation can significantly improve motor function and shorten the treatment course.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir K. Vafadar ◽  
Julie N. Côté ◽  
Philippe S. Archambault

Background.Different therapeutic methods are being used to prevent or decrease long-term impairments of the upper arm in stroke patients. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is one of these methods, which aims to stimulate the nerves of the weakened muscles so that the resulting muscle contractions resemble those of a functional task.Objectives.The objective of this study was to review the evidence for the effect of FES on (1) shoulder subluxation, (2) pain, and (3) upper arm motor function in stroke patients, when added to conventional therapy.Methods.From the 727 retrieved articles, 10 (9 RCTs, 1 quasi-RCT) were selected for final analysis and were rated based on the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scores and the Sackett’s levels of evidence. A meta-analysis was performed for all three considered outcomes.Results.The results of the meta-analyses showed a significant difference in shoulder subluxation in experimental groups compared to control groups, only if FES was applied early after stroke. No effects were found on pain or motor function outcomes.Conclusion.FES can be used to prevent or reduce shoulder subluxation early after stroke. However, it should not be used to reduce pain or improve upper arm motor function after stroke.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document