Abstract
Background
Action observation therapy is a novel rehabilitation tool. It is a top-down approach based on mirror neuron system recruitment.
Objectives
To evaluate action observation therapy’s effectiveness in improving upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy and perform a meta-analysis to synthesize data across statistically similar studies.
Methods
Data Sources: Included The Web of Science, Science Direct, OVID, PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database PEDro, and the Cochrane Library. Study selection: The authors included randomized controlled trials that studied the effect of action observation therapy alone or associated with other treatment methods on upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Study appraisal: Two authors extracted data independently and assessed the risk of bias using The Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials.
Results
Of the five studies chosen for review, we included three in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between action observation therapy with repeated action versus repeated action alone in the hand assessment (AHA) scale, the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb (MUUL), and ABILHAND- Kids (P-values 0.53, 0.26, 0.89, respectively).
Conclusions
Action observation therapy has no advantage over traditional functional motor training in improving upper limb function in rehabilitating children with cerebral palsy.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Systematic review registration number
Prospero CDR42020154645.
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Mai Elsayed Abbass
Mai Elsayed Abbass is a paediatric physical therapy lecturer at Cairo University’s Faculty of Physical Therapy, where she teaches paediatric rehabilitation as well as growth and development in children. She holds a Master’s degree in paediatric rehabilitation as well as a Ph.D. Her current research interests include paediatric rehabilitation, assessment and management of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders in children, and systematic review studies.
Nahla M. Ibrahim
Nahla M. Ibrahim is a paediatric physical therapy lecturer at Cairo University’s Faculty of Physical Therapy, where she teaches paediatric rehabilitation as well as growth and development in children. She holds a Master’s degree in paediatric rehabilitation as well as a Ph.D. Paediatric rehabilitation, gait and balance evaluation and management, and kinesiotaping in musculoskeletal disorders in children are among her current research interests.