Nature, timing, frequency and type of augmented feedback; does it influence motor relearning of the hemiparetic arm after stroke? A systematic review

Purpose. To investigate the effect of different aspects and types of augmented feedback on motor functions and motor activities of the hemiparetic arm after stroke. Method. Systematic search of the scientific literature was performed in the Pubmed and Cochrane database from 1975 to March 2009. The augmented feedback used in the intervention was classified with respect to aspects (nature, timing and frequency) and types (auditory, sensory and visual). Results. The systematic literature search resulted in 299 citations. On the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 full-text articles were included for analysis. There are some trends in favour of providing augmented knowledge of performance feedback, augmented auditory and combined sensory and visual feedback. No consistent effects on motor relearning were observed for summary or faded, terminal or concurrent, solely visual or solely sensory augmented feedback. Conclusions. On the basis of this study, it was not possible to determine which combinations of aspects and types of augmented feedback are most essential for a beneficial effect on motor activities and motor functions of the hemiparetic arm after stroke. This was due to the combination of multiple aspects and types of augmented feedback in the included studies. This systematic review indicates that augmented feedback in general has an added value for stroke rehabilitation.