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Efficacy of Robot-Assisted and Virtual Reality Interventions on Balance, Gait, and Daily Function in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Zhang B, Wong KP, Kang R, Fu S, Qin J, Xiao Q

Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2023

1,559 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and ranking of robot-assisted training, virtual reality, and robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with virtual reality in improving balance, gait, and daily function in patients with stroke.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses abstracting and indexing databases were comprehensively searched to include randomized controlled trials published through August 31, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing robot-assisted training, virtual reality, robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with virtual reality, and conventional therapy to assess the effects on balance, gait, and daily function of patients with stroke.

DATA EXTRACTION: The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. A network meta-analysis of random effects models was performed for direct and indirect effects. Data were analyzed using Stata SE 17.0 and R 4.2.1.

DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 52 randomized controlled trials involving 1,559 participants were included in this study. Based on the ranking probabilities, robot-assisted rehabilitation combined with virtual reality was most effective in improving balance (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]=82.0%; mean difference [MD]=4.10;…

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: 1,559 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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