Can we improve real world walking after stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Date
2014
Authors
Stretton, CM
Mudge, S
McPherson, KM
Kayes, NM
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine effectiveness of current interventions to improve real world walking for people with stroke and specifically whether benefits are sustained. Data sources: EBSCO Megafile, AMED, Cochrane, Scopus, PEDRO, OTSeeker and Psychbite databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Review methods: Proximity searching with key words such as ambulat*, walk*, gait, mobility*, activit* was used. Randomised controlled trials that used measures of real world walking were included. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and extracted the data. Results: Nine studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified, most of high quality. A positive effect overall was found indicating a small effect of interventions on real world walking (SMD 0.29 [0.17, 0.41]). Five studies provided follow-up data at > 3-6 months which demonstrated sustained benefits (SMD 0.32 [0.16, 0.48]). Sub group analysis revealed studies using exercise alone were not effective (SMD 0.19 [-0.11, 0.49]) but those incorporating behavioural change techniques (SMD 0.27 [0.12, 0.41]) were. Conclusions: A small but significant effect was found for current interventions and benefits can be sustained. Interventions which include behaviour change techniques appear more effective at improving real world walking habits than exercise alone.

Description
Keywords
Real world; Walking; Stroke; Physical activity; Behaviour change; Rehabilitation; Physiotherapy; Occupational therapy
Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Volume 95, Issue 10, Page e15
Publisher's version
Rights statement
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in (see Citation). Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. The definitive version was published in (see Citation). The original publication is available at (see Publisher's Version).