Effects of functional task training with mental practice in stroke: A meta analysis

Objective: Meta analysis of studies was carried out to examine the effectiveness of functional task training with mental practice on functional performance following stroke. Search strategy: An exhaustive search was conducted using computerized databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and EBSCO (CINAHL). Selection criteria: The search was performed using the following keywords: stroke, functional task, mental practice, randomized controlled trial. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers independently retrieved appropriate RCTs, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of each study. Selected studies needed to report the statistical values necessary for calculating the effect size, which was estimated using the standardized difference of the mean. Statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were also investigated. Results: The five studies included 146 participants. The overall effect size was moderate (0.51, p < 0.001). The 95% confidence interval was from 0.27 to 0.75. Significant heterogeneity and publications bias were not founded. Conclusion: The present study is the first meta-analysis conducted on the effectiveness of functional task training with mental practice in stroke. The results indicate the clinical effectiveness of functional task training with mental practice provided by occupational and physical therapists in stroke rehabilitation.