The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for improving upper limb spasticity and functionality in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Author
Serra-Llobet, Pol
Rodriguez-Rubio, Pere Ramón
Llauró-Fores, Mercé
Calvo-Sanz, Jordi
Publication date
2020ISSN
0269-2155
Abstract
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for reducing spasticity and improving functionality of the upper limb in stroke survivors. Data sources: A systematic review of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PEDro, REHABDATA, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Tripdatabase and Epistemonikos from 1980 to April 2020 was carried out. Review methods: The bibliography was screened to identify randomized controlled clinical trials that applied extracorporeal shock waves to upper limb spastic muscles in post-stroke individuals. Two reviewers independently screened references, selected relevant studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the PEDro scale. The primary outcome was spasticity and functionality of the upper limb. Results: A total of 1,103 studies were identified and 16 randomized controlled trials were finally included (764 individuals) were analyzed. A meta-analysis was performed and a beneficial effect on spasticity was found. The mean difference (MD) on the Modified Ashworth Scale for comparison extracorporeal shock wave versus sham was −0.28; with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from −0.54 to −0.03. The MD of the comparison of extracorporeal shock wave plus conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy was −1.78; 95% CI from −2.02 to −1.53. The MD for upper limb motor-function using the Fugl Meyer Assessment was 0.94; 95% CI from 0.42 to 1.47 in the short term and 0.97; 95% CI from 0.19 to 1.74 in the medium term. Conclusion: The extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective for reducing upper limb spasticity. Adding it to conventional therapy provides an additional benefit.
Document Type
Article
Document version
Published version
Language
English
Subject (CDU)
61 - Medical sciences
Keywords
Medicina
Medicine
Pages
15
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Collection
34; 9
Is part of
Clinical Rehabilitation
Citation
Cabanas-Valdés, Rosa; Serra-Llobet, Pol; Rodriguez-Rubio, Pere Ramón [et al.]. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for improving upper limb spasticity and functionality in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 2020, 34(9), p. 1141-1156. Disponible en: <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269215520932196>. Fecha de acceso: 29 ene. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/0269215520932196
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
- Ciències de la Salut [740]
Rights
© The Author(s) 2020.