Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke: A meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature on the relationships between spasticity, proprioception and motor function of the upper limb post-stroke. Using the terms: stroke; movement; proprioception; spasticity; rehabilitation; and upper limb, a systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to November 2023. A study must have assessed two of spasticity, proprioception, or motor function of the upper limb post-stroke to be included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to investigate changes in time and strength of correlations between variables. Fifty-two studies were included. Over time, spasticity increased (OR = 0.5, p = 0.0475); proprioception and motor function impairments decreased (OR = 3.15, p < 0.0001; OR = 3.21, p < 0.0001, respectively). The correlation between spasticity and proprioception was weak (r = 0.33, p = 0.0283); between proprioception and motor function was moderate (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001); and between spasticity and motor function was moderate (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Despite the limitation of heterogeneity in the available evidence, relationships between variables were illustrated. Moderate correlations between proprioception and both spasticity and motor function suggest proprioception should be an important target for personalised rehabilitation interventions.