Critically appraised paper: Unilateral neglect impairs functional recovery but evidence for upper limb interventions in patients with neglect is lacking [commentary]

摘要

This finding was consistent in both acute and chronic stroke. Differences in the measures used to assess unilateral spatial neglect and upper limb function, as well as variations in severity of upper limb impairment and severity and type of unilateral neglect may have contributed to inconsistencies across studies and prevented pooling of data. In the single experimental study, which examined the effects of a task-specific upper extremity inter- vention on functional performance in patients with unilateral spatial neglect more than 6 months after stroke, there was a significant but small improvement in upper limb function. Conclusion: Although there is evidence that unilateral spatial neglect is associated with poorer functional recovery of the hemiparetic upper limb after stroke, there is currently very little experimental research evaluating the efficacy of upper limb interventions in people with unilateral spatial neglect. Further research is required to guide upper limb rehabilitation for pa- tients with neglect after stroke.