Effect of Task-Oriented Training on Upper Extremity Function for Patients with Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Systematic Review

Background: Tetraplegia that results from cervical injury is the most frequent neurologic category after spinal cord injury (SCI) and causes substantial disability. Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) is a shock or a penetrating injury to the head that disrupts the brain function leading to various impairments including upper limb dysfunction. Improving arm and hand function after these injuries is a major priority of rehabilitation due to its reflect on mobility, independency and quality of life. Advances of treatment approaches and technology have been introduced in research work; one of these approaches is task-oriented training (TOT). Aim of Study: This systematic review aims to find out the evidence on the effectiveness of TOT to improve the upper limb functions among patients with SCI and TBI. Material and Methods: This systematic review performed using the PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB) search engines and the associated keywords. The methodological quality assessment was done by two reviewers using PEDro scale. Random effect model and standardized mean differences were used for meta-analyses. Results: The search identified 8,424 records, of which only two trials were selected as eligible. Quality appraisal revealed the trials were of good or fair quality. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests moderate level of evidence for non-significant effect of Task-oriented training in improving upper limb function and hand dexterity in patients with spinal cord injuries and further primary research is recommended for both SCI and TBI.