Abstract
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability. Physical and mental deficits can occur depending on what area of the brain is affected. Individuals who have experienced strokes may have limitations in performing daily activities which can be addressed through the use of assistive technology within interventions.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to determine the effectiveness of assistive technology to individuals who have had a stroke in maintaining or improving occupational performance.
METHODS: Level I and Level II articles of randomized control trials and systematic reviews were included in the CAT if they were published within the last 10 years. Articles included assistive technology interventions for both upper and lower extremities for individuals who sustained a stroke. The participants of the articles had to have a clinical diagnosis of stroke. The articles also included types of therapy as part of treatment for either control or experimental groups and outcomes related to occupational performance.
RESULTS: Level I and level II research completed on assistive technology interventions including robotics, virtual reality, and devices held strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of assistive technology in maintaining or improving occupational performance in individuals who have had a stroke.