Does non-invasive brain stimulation modify hand dexterity? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Dexterity, crucial for daily tasks, relies on intact brain motor networks.
• Damage to these networks impairs fine hand movements, with current interventions showing limited efficacy or side effects.
• Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) shows potential for targeted motor area enhancement and improved hand function recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of various NIBS technologies on hand dexterity.
• To evaluate NIBS efficacy in diverse patient populations with impaired dexterity.
• To provide evidence-based guidance for using NIBS in hand function recovery.

Main Methods:

• Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.
• Inclusion of randomized clinical trials in adults assessing NIBS effects on continuous dexterity data.
• Comparison of active versus sham NIBS, with risk of bias assessment and narrative/quantitative synthesis.

Main Results:

• This section is not applicable as the abstract describes a study protocol, not results.
• The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016043809).
• Ethical approval is not required as the study is not interventional and does not involve private health information.

Conclusions:

• The findings will inform future research and clinical guidelines on NIBS for hand dexterity recovery.
• This systematic review aims to resolve inconsistencies in current literature regarding NIBS efficacy.
• The study protocol is designed to yield robust evidence on the therapeutic potential of NIBS for motor function.