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Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke

Mehrholz J, Werner C, Kugler J, Pohl M

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2007

414 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices are used in rehabilitation and might help to improve walking after stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of automated electromechanical and robotic-assisted gait training devices for improving walking after stroke.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched September 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to September 2006), EMBASE (1980 to September 2006), CINAHL (1982 to October 2006), AMED (1985 to October 2006), SPORTDiscus (1949 to August 2006), the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro, searched September 2006) and the engineering databases COMPENDEX (1972 to October 2006) and INSPEC (1969 to October 2006). We handsearched relevant conference proceedings, searched trials and research registers, checked reference lists and contacted authors in an effort to identify further published, unpublished and ongoing trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies using random assignment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients walking independently (without assistance or help of a person) at follow up.

MAIN RESULTS: Eight trials (414 participants) were included in this review. Electromechanical-assisted gait training in…

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: 414 participants or records.

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