Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of positioning on range of motion of the
paretic shoulder following stroke. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, CINAHL,
EMBASE, Science Citation Index, PEDro, Cochrane Controlled Trails Register and
article reference lists. REVIEW METHODS: Randomized controlled trials reporting
range of motion outcomes of shoulder positioning programmes for patients with
stroke were examined independently by the two authors. Studies reporting external
rotation range of motion outcomes were abstracted and their quality was rated.
RESULTS: Five studies, all published in 2000 or later, were included. Shoulder
external rotation range of motion was lost by control groups (mean = 11.0-18.4
degrees) and experimental (positioning) groups (mean = 6.1 degrees to 19.2
degrees) in every study.The standardized mean difference between groups was
-0.216 (95% confidence interval -0.573 to 0.141). These findings and the
demonstration of homogeneity between and within groups do not support positioning
(as practised) as an effective intervention for preventing or slowing the
development of range-of-motion impairments of the paretic shoulder after stroke.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis failed to support the benefit of positioning the
paretic upper extremity to prevent or reduce shoulder external rotation range of
motion impairments after stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS