The effect of adding trunk restraint to task-oriented training in improving function in stroke patients: A systematic...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Stroke Recovery
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• The effectiveness of trunk restraint in enhancing post-stroke arm motor function and daily living activities is debated.
• Task-oriented training is a common rehabilitation approach for stroke survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the impact of incorporating trunk restraint into task-oriented rehabilitation for improving arm motor function and functional abilities in stroke patients.
• To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on trunk restraint's role in stroke rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across nine databases for randomized controlled trials.
• Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.
• A meta-analysis was performed on data from nine trials involving 255 subjects.

Main Results:

• Trunk restraint significantly improved measures of arm use (Motor Activity Log-amount of use), movement quality (Motor Activity Log-quality of movement), upper extremity function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), and daily activities (ADL performance) in subacute stroke patients.
• Specific improvements were noted for the Motor Activity Log (amount of use and quality of movement), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity), Action Research Arm test, and Activities of Daily Living.
• No significant differences in outcomes were found between the trunk restraint and non-trunk restraint groups for patients in the chronic stage of stroke.

Conclusions:

• The addition of trunk restraint to task-oriented training shows promise for enhancing functional recovery in patients with subacute stroke.
• Trunk restraint may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for improving arm motor function and daily activities in the early stages of stroke recovery.