Effects of game-based rehabilitation on upper limb function in adults within the first six months following stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and summarize the level of evidence for the immediate, short-term, and long-term effects of game-based rehabilitation on upper limb function in adults within the first six months following stroke. INTRODUCTION A game-based intervention is a valuable therapeutic tool for incorporating principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity in the rehabilitation of upper limb function post-stroke. Most of the existing reviews on game-based rehabilitation are focused on the chronic phase of stroke. However, as maximum upper limb motor recovery occurs in the first six months after stroke, further exploration of the effects of game-based rehabilitation in this phase is necessary. INCLUSION CRITERIA We will include randomized clinical trials assessing the immediate, short-term, and long-term effects of game-based rehabilitation on upper limb function in adults within the first six months following stroke. METHODS The systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. A database-specific search strategy will be used in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, PEDro, OT Seeker, and Ovid MEDLINE to identify studies in the English language with no date limit. Two reviewers will independently screen, extract data, and assess risk of bias of the eligible studies. Meta-analysis and publication bias evaluation will be done when adequate data are available. If a meta-analysis is precluded, then a narrative synthesis will be done. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria will be used to assess the certainty of evidence for the outcome measures of interest. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42020190100.