Background: Cross-education refers to the increase in motor output of the untrained limb following unilateral training of the opposite limb. Cross education has been shown to be beneficial in clinical settings.
Objectives: This systematic literature and meta-analysis aims to assess the effects of cross-education on strength and motor function in post stroke rehabilitation.
Data sources: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, ClinicalTrails.gov and Cochrane Central registers were searched up to 1st October 2022.
Study selection: Controlled trials using unilateral training of the less affected limb in individuals diagnosed with stroke and English language.
Data synthesis: Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tools. Quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4.1.
Results: Five studies capturing 131 participants were included in the review and three studies capturing 95 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Cross education was shown to have a statistically and clinically significant effect on upper limb strength (p < 0.003; SMD 0.58; 95% CI 0.20-0.97; n = 117) and upper limb function (p = 0.04; SMD 0.40; 95% CI 0.02-0.77; n = 119).
Limitations: Small number of studies, with all studies identified as having some risk of bias. Quality of evidence graded 'low' due to limitations and imprecision.
Conclusion: Cross education may be beneficial in improving strength and motor function in the more affected upper limb post stroke. Further studies are needed as the research into the benefits of cross education in stroke rehabilitation is still limited. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO (CRD42020219058).
Keywords: Cross-education; Interlimb transfer; Meta-analyses; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Systematic Review.
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