Effects of proprioceptive training for people with stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive training on balance performance, trunk control, and gait speed in people with stroke. Methods We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of proprioceptive training for patients with stroke from the date of each database's inception to July 26, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of potentially eligible articles that were identified on the basis of the search criteria. Methodological quality was determined using version 2 of the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The treatment effect was estimated by calculating Hedges' g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed according to the I-2 value. The primary outcome was balance performance and secondary outcomes were trunk control, gait speed, and basic functional mobility. Results In total, 17 trials involving 447 people with stroke were included. Proprioceptive training had a significant effect on balance performance (Hedges' g = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36-1.01), gait speed (Hedges' g = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.19-0.94), trunk control (Hedges' g = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.33-1.17), and basic functional mobility (Hedges' g = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.31-0.94) among people with stroke. Conclusion Proprioceptive training may be effective in improving balance performance, gait speed, trunk control, and basic functional mobility among people with stroke.