Jh. Van Der Lee et al., Exercise therapy for arm function in stroke patients: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, CLIN REHAB, 15(1), 2001, pp. 20-31
Objective: Assessment of the available evidence for the effectiveness of ex
ercise therapy to improve arm function in patients who have suffered from a
stroke.
Methods: A systematic search of bibliographical databases and reference che
cking were performed to identify publications on randomized controlled tria
ls (RCTs) which evaluated the effect of exercise therapy on arm function in
stroke patients. The methodological quality was assessed systematically by
two raters, based on a standardized list of methodological criteria. Study
characteristics, such as the chronicity and severity of impairment of the
patient population, the amount and duration of interventions, and specific
methodological criteria, were related to reported effects.
Results: Thirteen RCTs were identified, six of which reported positive resu
lts on an arm function test. In five of these six studies there was a contr
ast in amount or duration of exercise therapy between groups. Methodologica
l scores ranged from 5 to 15 (maximum possible score: 19 points).
Conclusion: Insufficient evidence made it impossible to draw definitive con
clusions about the effectiveness of exercise therapy on arm function in str
oke patients. The difference in results between studies with and without co
ntrast in the amount or duration of exercise therapy between groups suggest
s that more exercise therapy may be beneficial.