Treatment approaches for pusher behaviour: a scoping review

ABSTRACT

Background

Some individuals with hemiplegia show a postural disorder called pusher behavior. Various underlying theoretical mechanisms have been proposed, thus leading to various treatment approaches.

Objectives

The aim of this scoping review is to identify and analyze the available evidence on the treatment approaches for pusher behavior.

Methods

Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search for original studies reporting on treatments for pusher behavior. Studies were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and PEDro from their inception to December 2020. Treatment approaches were grouped in homogeneous areas based on the supposed underlying mechanism. To assess the reporting of the interventions, the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) was used.

Results

Thirty-one papers describing 45 interventions were included in the review. Most of the studies were case reports (i.e. including 1 person) (n = 16), followed by randomized controlled trials (n = 5), single subject design trials (n = 5), non-randomized controlled trials (n = 3), and case series (i.e. including more than 1 person) (n = 2). Treatment approaches were grouped into five categories: visual feedback, somatosensory cues, visual-somatosensory integration, brain stimulation, and other nonspecific treatments. The median number of TIDIeR items reported was 7 (range 4 to 10).

Conclusion

Pusher behavior is still little-known. Five main categories of treatment approaches based on the alleged etiological underlying mechanisms have been identified. Most of studies are case reports; controlled trials should be further conducted. Intervention reporting should be improved to allow treatment replication in larger trials.

KEYWORDS:

• Pusher syndrome
• stroke
• physiotherapy
• rehabilitation
• scoping review

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.