Response to Cauraugh, J. H., et al. Bilateral movement training and stroke motor recovery progress: a structured review and meta-analysis. Human Movement Science (2009), doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2009.09.004.

摘要

We read the structured review and meta-analysis by Cauraugh, Lodha, Naik, and Summers (2009) with interest. We agree with the authors that whether "bilateral movement training protocols improve motor capabilities in the upper extremities of stroke survivors" is an enduring stroke rehabilitation question warranting further systematic review and appropriate meta-analyses. However we do not agree with Cauraugh et al.'s conclusion that the evidence "clearly show(s) that post stroke rehabilitation involving bilateral arm training leads to improved motor capabilities and progress toward recovery". Our own interpretation of the existing evidence-base leads us to conclude that there is currently insufficient high quality evidence to recommend bilateral training as a clinical intervention. We are concerned that the way Cauraugh et al.'s meta-analysis has been carried out may have overestimated the effects of this training and resulted in misleading conclusions. We set out the reasons for these concerns below.