Article

This review aims to assess the efficacy of upper limb interventions
on stroke survivors' health-related quality of life (QOL). METHOD: Published
studies were identified following a systematic search of the literature from 10
electronic databases, 3 subject-relevant journals, a Web search via a popular
search engine, and reference lists of the included articles. In total, 22
articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction to
establish the effectiveness of the intervention on QOL scores. Interventions
varied according to their content, including acupuncture treatment, botulinum
toxin type A (BTX-A) injections, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), task
training, and therapeutic exercise. Studies were required to have at least 1
quantitative outcome QOL measure. RESULTS: Of the 22 studies, 12 reported
significant findings within groups and between control groups. Interventions
including BTX-A injections, CIMT, exercise programs, baclofen pump,
robotic-assisted therapy, electrical stimulation, and acupuncture were reported
to significantly improve either overall health-related QOL or certain individual
QOL domains, such as strength, hand function, memory, mood, activities of daily
living, mobility, social participation, communication, energy, pain, and sleep.
CONCLUSION: The review demonstrates the need for upper limb intervention studies
to focus on QOL as a primary outcome measure in addition to the functional
outcomes currently used.

Langue : ANGLAIS