Sitting-focused physiotherapy improved balance scores early after stroke
A review of early stroke rehabilitation found better sitting-balance scores, while leaving everyday impact and durability unclear.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Physiotherapy centered on sitting was linked to better sitting-balance scores in adults treated soon after stroke. The interventions included reaching, weight shifting, core exercises, changes to the environment and task practice. The abstract supports a benefit on the measured balance scale, but does not establish improved daily independence or lasting recovery.
The abstract does not describe comparison treatments, intervention length or the size of a clinically meaningful scale change. Without those details, the practical importance and durability of the score difference remain uncertain.
What researchers found
Trunk Impairment Scale score
The pooled sitting-balance result favored the interventions; comparator treatments and assessment timing were unspecified. This difference is on the scale, not a percentage improvement.
What the abstract covers
Eligible treatments were carried out mainly in sitting positions and had to report sitting-balance outcomes. The review therefore addressed a particular rehabilitation goal during early recovery, rather than overall recovery after stroke.
How much was pooled
Only a subset of the reviewed studies contributed to the pooled score estimate. Within that subset, some studies had low risk of bias, while others raised concerns, which matters when interpreting the apparent benefit.
The original publication
The effectiveness of physiotherapy sitting balance treatments on sitting balance outcomes in early sub-acute stroke. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rayner RL, Walker K, Stephenson J et al.
Physiotherapy · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41275723
- Record checked
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