Dose of arm activity training during acute and subacute rehabilitation post stroke: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Aim: To determine the dose of activity-related arm training undertaken by stroke survivors during acute and subacute rehabilitation. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE up to December 2014 was completed. Studies were eligible if they defined the dose (time or repetitions) of activity-related arm training using observational methods for a cohort of adult stroke survivors receiving acute or subacute rehabilitation. All studies were quality appraised using an evidence-based learning critical appraisal checklist. Data was analysed by method of documented dose per session (minutes, repetitions), environment (acute or subacute rehabilitation) and therapy discipline (physiothe..