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Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for bone health after stroke: Systematic review with meta-analysis

Ouyang H, Lee TC, Chan FY, Li X, Lai KY, Lam WY, Yung TY, Pang MYC

Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 2024

22,500 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hemi-osteoporosis is a common secondary complication of stroke. No systematic reviews of pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents for post-stroke bone health have estimated the magnitude and precision of effect sizes to guide better clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the benefits and harms of pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents on bone health in post-stroke individuals.

METHODS: Eight databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane library, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, Embase, PEDro, Clinicaltrils.gov and ICTRP) up to June 2023. Any controlled studies that applied physical exercise, supplements, or medications and measured bone-related outcomes in people with stroke were included. PEDro and the GRADE approach were used to examine the methodological quality of included articles and quality of evidence for outcomes. Effect sizes were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). Review Manager 5.4 was used for data synthetization.

RESULTS: Twenty-four articles from 21 trials involving 22,500 participants (3,827 in 11 non-pharmacological and 18,673 in 10 pharmacological trials) were included. Eight trials were included in the meta-analysis. The methodological quality of half of the included non-pharmacological studies was either poor or fair, whereas it was good to excellent in 8 of 10 pharmacological studies. Meta-analysis revealed a beneficial effect of exercise on the bone mineral density (BMD) of the paretic hip (SMD: 0.50,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 22,500 participants or records.

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