The effectiveness of physiotherapy sitting balance treatments on sitting balance outcomes in early sub-acute stroke. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Rayner, Rebecca Louise, Walker, Kelly, Stephenson, John, Verheyden, Geert, Hancock, Nicola J. and Hartley-Palmer, Joseph Anthony (2025) The effectiveness of physiotherapy sitting balance treatments on sitting balance outcomes in early sub-acute stroke. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy. ISSN 0031-9406

PDF (AcceptedCopy_04.07.25_Sitting balance treatment in subacute stroke FINAL VERSION) - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 8 July 2026. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Request a copy

Abstract

Background: Difficulties with sitting balance are common after stroke. The ability to sit unsupported is imperative for many daily tasks and correlated to more positive outcomes. There is limited research on “sitting balance” therapeutic interventions and their impact. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy sitting balance treatments on sitting balance outcomes in people up to 3-months post-stroke. Methods: The PRISMA checklist was followed and the review registered on PROSPERO. Seven electronic databases were searched to October 2023 (updated in January 2025) for studies comparing treatments focussing on sitting balance in adults who had suffered a cerebral stroke in the last three months. Studies were included if treatment was predominantly completed in sitting postures and reported sitting balance outcomes. Studies were assessed for eligibility, and data extraction and risk of bias was completed by two independent reviewers. Results: Data from 16 studies (623 participants) was synthesised narratively. Sitting balance interventions were classified into four main categories: weight shift and reaching; core stability exercises; environmental modifications; and task practice. A random effects meta-analysis conducted on eight studies (342 participants) revealed interventions to be beneficial for sitting balance (primary outcome: mean difference Trunk Impairment Scale 3.02; 95% confidence interval 2.19 to 3.86). Four studies demonstrated low risk of bias; and four showed some concerns. Conclusions: The current sitting balance treatments offered to early sub-acute stroke patients show significant improvements in sitting balance primary outcome. Sitting balance treatments can be categorised into four sub-types, helping to standardise clinical application and ensure consistency in future research.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Acknowledgements and Funding: This systematic review was completed in Research Capability Funded time granted from the primary author’s place of work.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	physiotherapy,sitting balance,stroke
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Rehabilitation Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	15 Jul 2025 08:33
Last Modified:	15 Jul 2025 08:33
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/99918
DOI:	10.1016/j.physio.2025.101824

Actions (login required)

View Item