Activity-based Rehabilitation Interventions of the Neurologically Impaired Upper Extremity: Description of a Scoping Review Protocol

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2403-288 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Orthopedics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Activity-based therapy (ABT) focuses on functional and task-specific activities with high intensity and repetition to promote neuroplasticity and recovery after neurologic injury. This scoping review aims to evaluate peer-reviewed articles focused on ABT interventions for individuals with neurologically impaired upper extremities. The ultimate goal is to develop a home-based ABT intervention for persons with cervical SCI informed by existing evidence.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals with neurologically impaired upper extremities

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The scoping review will identify noninvasive ABT interventions to augment and facilitate neuroplasticity of the upper extremity.
2
The review aims to understand which noninvasive methods are effective for specific aspects of the upper extremity and for whom.
3
The protocol will help identify facilitators and barriers to implementing UE ABT interventions in clinical and home settings.

Research Summary

This article describes a scoping review protocol designed to evaluate peer-reviewed literature focusing on activity-based therapy (ABT) interventions for individuals with neurologically impaired upper extremities. The protocol follows a methodological framework involving identifying a research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, and summarizing and reporting results. The scoping review aims to develop a framework for establishing a noninvasive ABT intervention informed by evidence for individuals with neurologically impaired upper extremities, particularly for home-based programs for individuals with cervical SCI.

Practical Implications

Informed Home-Based Interventions

The scoping review will inform the development of home-based ABT protocols for individuals with SCI, utilizing low-cost, low-technology alternatives.

Improved Neurorehabilitative Practice

The results have the potential to impact care of the impaired UE due to SCI and current neurorehabilitative practice.

Economic and Effective Interventions

The review will help rehabilitation professionals implement economic yet effective UE ABT interventions in the home setting.

Study Limitations

1
The search is limited to English language articles published from the year 2000 to current.
2
The review focuses primarily on noninvasive ABT interventions, potentially excluding other relevant approaches.
3
The heterogeneity of ABT literature, with variations in interventions and clinical presentations, may pose challenges in synthesizing the data.

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