Effectiveness and relevance of physiotherapy in rehabilitees with cerebrovascular disorder and multiple sclerosis: Systematic reviews on the meta-analyses of walking and balance and meta-syntheses of the perceived relevance of physiotherapy

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness and perceived relevance of physiotherapy in rehabilitees with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and multiple sclerosis (MS), with a particular focus on the activities and participation component of ICF. Quantitative literature reviews of efficacy focused on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of therapeutic exercise, with an emphasis on balance and walking (range: CVA 1/2008–5/2017; MS 1/2007–1/2017). Qualitative literature reviews (1/2000–11/2017) of the relevance of physiotherapy focused on the rehabilitees’ experiences and perceptions of physiotherapy. Eight sub-studies included a total of 182 RCT studies (6,856 rehabilitees) and 50 qualitative studies (711 rehabilitees). The studies were heterogeneous in terms of participants and interventions. Compared to non-exercise or conventional treatment, therapeutic exercise had a larger impact on the rehabilitees’ balance and walking under standardised conditions. However, the impact on the performance was only considered in a few studies. The results can be used especially in the rehabilitation of chronic phase CVA rehabilitees and people with mild to moderate MS. What rehabilitees found meaningful in physiotherapy were the maintenance of human dignity, being encountered as an individual, the possibility of independence and freedom, participation in ordinary life, and the awakening and maintenance of faith and hope in the future. Rehabilitees valued equal, professional, wide-ranging, and fair physiotherapy that took into account the maintenance of the relevance of rehabilitation and the possibility of overcoming the challenges related to rehabilitation. Future research should take account of everyday performance as well as the complex Finnish rehabilitation service system.

Author

Tuulikki Sjögren, Aki Rintala, Jaana Paltamaa, Hilkka Korpi, (eds.)

Lue koko julkaisu (helda.helsinki.fi).

Lisätietoja julkaisusta

• Vertaisarvioitu: kyllä.
• Avoin saatavuus: kyllä.
• Koko viite: Sjögren, T., Rintala, A., Paltamaa, J., & Korpi, H. (eds.). (2022). Effectiveness and relevance of physiotherapy in rehabilitees with cerebrovascular disorder and multiple sclerosis: Systematic reviews on the meta-analyses of walking and balance and meta-syntheses of the perceived relevance of physiotherapy. Kela. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2022110163955