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Introduction: Hemiparesis is the main sensorimotor deficit after stroke. It can result in limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and social participation. Hemiparesis can be treated with behavioral techniques of intensive use of the affected arm, such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), however, it remains unclear whether motor improvement can lead to increases in the domains of activity and participation. Objective: Identify whether CIMT is superior to usual techniques to enhance activity and participation outcomes in stroke survivors. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, based on the PRISMA guidelines. Search databases were: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science, with no language restriction. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager (version 5.3), significance level p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 21 articles were included for analysis. Superior effects were observed on motor function and performance in activities of daily living of individuals treated with CIMT. The outcomes measures utilized were: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (p = 0.00001); Wolf motor function test (p = 0.01); Modified Barthel Index (p = 0.00001); Motor Activity log (MAL) Amount of use (AOU) (p = 0.01); MAL Quality of movement (QOM) (p = 0.00001); Action Research Arm Test-ARAT (p = 0.00001); and FIM (p = 0.0007). Conclusion: Our results show that CIMT results in more significant gains in the functional use of the upper limb in ADL and functional independence, demonstrating superior activity and participation results in stroke survivors when compared to conventional therapies.

Background: In 2020, the world was surprised by the spread and mass contamination of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 produces symptoms ranging from a common cold to severe symptoms that can lead to death. Several strategies have been implemented to improve the well-being of patients during their hospitalization, and virtual reality (VR) has been used. However, whether patients hospitalized for COVID-19 can benefit from this intervention remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether VR contributes to the control of pain symptoms, the sensation of dyspnea, perception of well-being, anxiety, and depression in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was designed. Patients underwent a single session of VR and usual care. The experimental group (n = 22) received VR content to promote relaxation, distraction, and stress relief, whereas the control group (n = 22) received non-specific VR content. Results: The experimental group reported a significant decrease in tiredness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and an increase in the feeling of well-being, whereas the control group showed improvement only in the tiredness and anxiety. Conclusions: VR is a resource that may improve the symptoms of tiredness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and depression in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Future studies should investigate the effect of multiple VR sessions on individuals with COVID-19.