Meta-analysis finds robot-assisted training plus acupuncture improves stroke recovery outcomes

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of robot-assisted training (RAT) combined with acupuncture therapy (AT) versus conventional rehabilitation, RAT alone, or AT alone in stroke patients. The analysis included 1821 participants across multiple studies. The primary outcome was not reported, but secondary outcomes included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), step length, step speed, and step width.

Pooled results showed statistically significant improvements favoring RAT plus AT across all measured outcomes. For FMA-LE, the mean difference (MD) was 4.02 (95% CI [3.12, 4.93]); for FAC, MD = 0.66 (95% CI [0.43, 0.89]); for MBI, MD = 9.88 (95% CI [6.43, 13.33]); for BBS, MD = 6.79 (95% CI [5.43, 8.16]); for step length, MD = 7.42 (95% CI [6.48, 8.36]); for step speed, MD = 0.16 (95% CI [0.12, 0.21]); and for step width, MD = -2.22 (95% CI [3.96, -0.48]), indicating a decrease in step width.

Limitations of the review were not reported, and safety outcomes such as adverse events were not reported. The certainty of evidence and practice relevance were also not addressed. While these findings suggest a potential benefit of combining RAT with acupuncture, clinicians should interpret the results cautiously due to the lack of reported limitations and safety data.