There is Level 4 evidence for the effectiveness of constraint induced movement therapy in improving upper extremity use post ABI.
There is Level 1 evidence based on a single RCT that nocturnal hand splinting does not improve range of motion, function or pain control post ABI.
Based on a single RCT, there is Level 1 evidence that functional fine motor control retraining activities results in improved fine motor coordination in addition to re-establishing life skills.
There is Level 2 evidence that visual feedback grip force training improved tracking and transfer performance.
There is Level 1 evidence based on one small RCT that serial casting does induce transient increases in range of motion; however, these effects were noted for only one day post treatment.
There is Level 2 evidence based on a single RCT that serial casting does reduce ankle plantar flexion contractures due to spasticity of cerebral origin.
There is Level 3 evidence that short duration (1 to 4 days) serial casting has a significantly lower complication rate than longer duration (5 to 7 days) serial casting; however, there was no difference in range of motion outcome.
Based on a single RCT there is Level 2 evidence that casting alone is as effective as casting and Botulinum toxin injections for treating plantar flexion contractures due to spasticity of cerebral origin.
There is Level 4 evidence that a pre-fabricated, adjustable ankle foot orthosis does reduce ankle plantar flexion contractures due to spasticity of cerebral origin.
There is Level 2 evidence based on one cohort study and Level 4 evidence from 3 studies that botulinum toxin type A injections may be effective in the management of localized spasticity following ABI.
One RCT found that both groups of patients receiving botulinum toxin type A injections did show reduced spasticity, regardless of the method of drug administration.
There is Level 4 evidence that phenol nerve blocks reduce contractures and spasticity at the elbow, wrist and finger flexors for up to 5 months post injection.
There is Level 4 evidence that electrical stimulation is effective for decreasing lower extremity spasticity for up to 24 hours.
Based on a single RCT, there is Level 1 evidence that oral Tizanidine improves lower and upper extremity spasticity compared to a placebo.
There is Level 4 evidence that oral Baclofen improves lower extremity spasticity but not upper extremity spasticity.
Based on a single RCT, there is Level 1 evidence that bolus intrathecal baclofen injections produce short-term (up to 6 hours) reductions in upper and lower extremity spasticity.
There is Level 4 evidence to suggest that prolonged intrathecal baclofen results in longer-term (3 months, and 1 year) reductions in spasticity in both the upper and lower extremities following an ABI.
Based on a single study, there is Level 4 evidence to suggest that intrathecal baclofen results in short-term improvements in walking performance, particularly gait velocity, stride length, and step width.
Based on two RCTs, there is Level 1 evidence that partial body weight supported gait training does not provide any added benefit over conventional gait training in ambulation, mobility or balance.
There is Level 1 evidence based on a single RCT that specific sit-to-stand training results in improved abilities.
There is Level 2 evidence that reach training with an embedded intervention is more effective than a traditional reaching exercise program.
There is Level 2 evidence that a specific balance and coordination training program is significantly more effective for improving balance and coordination compared to a traditional muscular training program.
There is Level 2 evidence that a virtual reality based balance retraining program is as effective at improving balance through a conventional balance retraining program.
Based on a single RCT, there is Level 1 evidence that aerobic exercise improves aerobic capacity following ABI.
Based on the findings of a small RCT, there is (Level 2) that participation in an exercise program improves health promotion and self-esteem post-ABI.
Based on four studies there is Level 4 evidence that a rehabilitation program directed at improving visual function improves functional outcomes such as reading in patients post-ABI.
Based on a one study there is Level 4 evidence that a vestibular rehabilitation program improves symptoms of vertigo in patients after a TBI.
