Critically Appraised Topic
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Authors
Bo, Evan
Faulkner, Laura Kate
Orndorff, Abby
Spykstra, Nick
Valdez, Kynsie
Issue Date
2025-04-29
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Abstract
Abstract
Focus Questions: What is the effectiveness of adaptive equipment or assistive technology on improving IADL/ADL performance for adults’ post stroke?
Background: Every year, more than 795,00 Americans have strokes with nearly 1 in 4 people of those individual’s having had a stroke recovery. Since strokes are one of the leading causes of disability in American’s and performance of activities of daily living is included in the OT scope of practice, analyzing the effectiveness of assistive and adaptive technology is imperative for effective treatments. The implication of the systematic review of the articles is that while there are limitations for the studies, the evidence does indicate that early mobilization with these technologies improves activity performance in adult’s post-stroke.
Aim: This critically appraised topic (CAT) is aimed at determining the effectiveness of adaptive equipment (AE) or assistive technology (AT) on improving instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)/ activities of daily living (ADL) performance for adults’ post stroke.
Methods: The literature search included 1A, 1B, and 2B focusing on the prioritized aim. The studies were analyzed if they had been within the last ten years and included the following criteria: Male and female adults that have been diagnosed with stroke or CVA, adaptive equipment or assistive technology interventions, articles that mention ADL/IADL performance, peer reviewed articles, level 1 and 2 studies, and specific outcome measures. Seven total studies were included which met the established standards.
Results: Level 1A, 1B, 2B research completed on the effectiveness of assistive technology on improving ADL/IADL performance for adult's post stroke revealed moderate, positive evidence. Assistive technology combined with ADL training demonstrated significant improvements in upper extremity motor function among individuals recovering from subacute stroke High level evidence from systematic reviews and RCTs supported accelerated motor recovery, sustained functional gains, and enhance quality of life when assistive tech/robotic assistive technology was paired with conventional rehabilitation strategies. Level 2 studies reinforced these findings reporting improvements in Fugl Meyer Assessment scores, reductions in spasticity, enhanced joint mobility and cognitive benefits. Moreover, it facilitated a faster functional reviver with the use of multidisciplinary integration. Overall, the evidence supports the use of assistive/robotic technology as an effective means of intervention in stoke rehabilitation.
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Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by Evan Bo, Laura Kate Faulkner, Abby Orndorff, Nick Spykstra, and Kynsie Valdez. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University