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This is a plain English summary of an original research article. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and reviewer(s) at the time of publication.
Following a stroke, people who received repetitive task training showed greater improvements in performing functional tasks, such as picking up a cup, standing up and walking. These improvements were sustained for up to six months.
Disability following stroke is common, affecting around half of all stroke survivors. This NIHR-funded review of over thirty trials found that repetitive task training provided small gains in arm and leg function, balance and walking distance (about 35 metres).
We do not yet know the optimum number of sessions, or the ideal duration or intensity. However, it is a versatile and relatively easy intervention which can be delivered by physiotherapists/occupational therapists in groups, individually, in hospital, in the community or at home. Depending on the nature of the exercise, there is also potential for people to continue to practice on their own or with carer support.
This review shows that it can help people to improve functionality and mobility and should be considered as part of routine rehabilitation, in line with national guidance.
Why was this study needed?
There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK, with around 152,000 cases reported every year. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term neurological disability, affecting balance, coordination and mobility. According to figures quoted by the Stroke Association, around 77% of stroke patients experience arm weakness and 72% experience leg weakness. It is important to understand which rehabilitation interventions might offer the best outcomes for patients to improve independence and quality of life. Repetitive task training is currently a component of stroke care so it is important to validate its effectiveness.
This Cochrane review is an update of an earlier review, last updated in 2007. Since then, 19 new trials have published results and the reporting standards have improved so these were added to the evidence base.
What did this study do?
This updated Cochrane systematic review included 32 randomised controlled trials and one quasi-randomised trial, involving 1,853 participants in all.
The trials were from various countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada and Korea. Repetitive task training consisted of repeating a series of movements, with the aim of being able to perform a functional task. The training might involve the whole task, such as lifting a cup, or part of a task, such as grasping a cup. Most therapy interventions under evaluation lasted two to four weeks for between 10 to 21 hours.
Due to poor reporting in many of the original trials, it is difficult to assess the risk of bias. In addition, a wide range of interventions were used in the comparison groups. These factors mean researchers had a low to moderate degree of confidence in the main results.
What did it find?
- For arms, repetitive task training had a small impact on improving function (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01 to 0.49) - 11 studies, 749 participants.
- For legs, repetitive task training provided small improvements in metres walked over six minutes (mean difference 34.8m, 95% CI 18.19m to 51.41m); walking ability (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.66); leg function (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.48); standing up from sitting (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.56) and standing balance (SMD 0.24, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.42).
- There were no differences in functional ability after treatment according to the number of hours of training, the time from stroke to training or in the type of training delivered.
- Repetitive task training was effective in the first six months, but no difference between groups was seen after six months.
- Few trials reported on falls and other adverse effects making it difficult to assess the risks.
What does current guidance say on this issue?
Guidance from Royal College of Physicians in 2016 and NICE in 2013 recommends people are offered repetitive task training to improve arm and leg weakness, using activities such as reaching, grasping, sit to stand transfers and walking. The guidance recommends physiotherapists support people with movement difficulties and that rehabilitation continues until the person is able to maintain or improve functionality on their own or with the help of family or support staff.
What are the implications?
Given the range of participants included in these trials, repetitive task training could be appropriate for most people with weakness following a stroke. Clinicians and healthcare providers currently deliver repetitive task training as part of routine rehabilitation and through one-to-one or group training sessions.
There is insufficient information to draw conclusions on the optimal duration of sessions and the impact of current practices on therapist resource. The review suggests training is well received though it may be worthwhile to work with local patient groups to better understand their needs and preferences. Mechanisms to ensure adverse effects are reported and monitored are important.
An overview of NIHR funded research on stroke was published in March 2017, including aspects of recovery and rehabilitation after stroke. This can be downloaded free here.
Citation and Funding
French B, Thomas LH, Coupe J, et al. Repetitive task training for improving functional ability after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016; (11):CD006073.
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Cochrane Review Incentive Scheme and the Department of Health Research and Development Health Technology Assessment Programme.
Bibliography
French B, Leathley M, Sutton C, et al. A systematic review of repetitive functional task practice with modelling of resource use, costs and effectiveness. Health Technol Assess. 2008;12(30).
NICE. Stroke rehabilitation in adults. CG162. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2013.
RCP. National clinical guidelines for stroke. London; Royal College of Physicians, Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party; 2016.
Stroke Association. State of the Nation. Stroke statistics 2016. London: Stroke Association; 2015.
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