Neuroplasticity and Physical Therapy in Traumatic Brain Injury: Assessing the role of physical therapy interventions in promoting neuroplasticity and functional recovery in TBI patients A Meta-Analysis
Main Article Content
Keywords
postoperative rehabilitation
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant public health issue globally, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments that impact the quality of life. Promoting neuroplasticity through physical therapy interventions is a promising avenue for enhancing recovery in TBI patients.
Objectives
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various physical therapy interventions, including aerobic exercise, task-specific training, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and virtual reality (VR), in promoting neuroplasticity and functional recovery in TBI patients.
Methods
A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, covering studies published between 2013 and 2023. Studies included were randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort studies, and case-control studies involving TBI patients. The data extraction focused on study characteristics, participant details, intervention specifics, and outcomes related to neuroplasticity and functional recovery. Meta-analytic techniques were used to calculate effect sizes and assess heterogeneity and publication bias.
Results
A total of 25 studies with 1,500 participants were included. The overall effect size of physical therapy interventions on neuroplasticity and functional recovery was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.03; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant improvements across all interventions: aerobic exercise (Hedges' g = 0.78), task-specific training (Hedges' g = 0.90), FES (Hedges' g = 0.82), and VR (Hedges' g = 0.92). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected.
Conclusion
Physical therapy interventions significantly promote neuroplasticity and functional recovery in TBI patients. Aerobic exercise, task-specific training, FES, and VR each offer unique benefits and should be integral components of TBI rehabilitation programs. These findings provide valuable insights for clinicians and healthcare providers in developing effective rehabilitation strategies.
Keywords
Traumatic Brain Injury, Neuroplasticity, Physical Therapy, Aerobic Exercise, Task-Specific Training, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Virtual Reality, Rehabilitation, Meta-Analysis.
References
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Razeen Shafiq
Shalamar Medical and Dental College