The effect of adding trunk restraint to task-oriented training in improving function in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The effectiveness of trunk restraint on post-stroke arm motor function and daily function remain controversial.

To evaluate the effect of adding trunk restraint to task-oriented rehabilitation of arm motor function and functional ability after stroke.

Nine databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials studying the effects of trunk restraint in post-stroke task-oriented training. Researchers assessed methodological qualities using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and extracted data related to study participants, intervention, and outcomes. The overall effectiveness was calculated using a meta-analytic method.

In total, ten articles met the inclusion criteria and nine trails (n = 255 subjects) were included in quantitative analyses. Meta-analysis revealed that trunk restraint exhibited a significant improvement on the Motor Activity Log-amount of use, 0.39 (95% CI: 0.25- 0.54), the Motor Activity Log-quality of movement, 0.45 (95% CI: 0.27- 0.63), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity), 1.09 (95% CI: 0.67- 1.51), Action Research Arm test, 4.51 (95% CI: 2.49- 6.54) and performance of Activities of daily living, 1.70 (95% CI: 0.19- 3.21) in trunk restraint group in patients at subacute stage, compared to the non-trunk restraint group, but no significant difference was found in patients with chronic stroke.

Adding trunk restraint to task-oriented training may improve function in patients with subacute stroke.