Critically appraised paper: Non-invasive brain stimulation does not enhance the effect of robotic-assisted upper limb training on arm motor recovery after stroke [synopsis]
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Objective: To review the evidence as to whether adding non-invasive brain stimulation enhances the effects of robotic-assisted upper limb training on upper limb motor recovery in individuals with stroke.Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, LILACS, CINAHL, DORIS, and PEDro were searched up to July 2019.This search was supplemented by searching online archives of theses and trial registries.Study selection: Randomised controlled trials (parallel or crossover) involving people with upper limb paresis due to stroke, in which non-invasive brain stimulation before, during or after roboticassisted upper limb rehabilitation was compared with sham non-invasive brain stimulation or robotic-assisted upper limb rehabilitation without noninvasive brain stimulation.Outcome measures were upper limb performance in either impairment-level and/or activity-level domains.Data extraction: Two reviewers extracted data and discrepancies were resolved by consensus.For crossover designs, only the first-phase intervention data were extracted.Risk of bias for individual studies was assessed according to specified criteria by two reviewers and quality of the body of evidence was rated according to GRADEpro.Data synthesis: Of 1,176 articles identified by the search, eight unique trials with a total of 324 participants (161 active, 163 control) met the selection criteria and were included in the review.The quality of evidence was
Source: Journal of physiotherapy
Author: Prudence Plummer
Institution: MGH Institute of Health Professions
Language: English
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
OpenAlex ID: W3170840562