Sitting balance is a critical aspect of functional mobility for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). However, limited information is available on effective sitting balance training protocols for individuals with SCI.
Objectives
To synthesize and evaluate the effectiveness of emerging novel interventions for improving sitting balance in individuals with SCI.
Methods
A search was performed in Scopus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PubMed, Cochrane, and BioMed Central from January 2010 until September 2024 for eligible studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of intervention on sitting balance in SCI. PEDro Scale was used to assess the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) while non-RCTs were assessed using the modified Downs and Black tool.
Results
Our search yielded 1407 studies, of which only 13 met our inclusion criteria. The mean PEDro score and modified Downs and Black score was 7/10 and 16/27, respectively. Virtual reality, electric stimulation, and Tai-chi exercises were found to be the most commonly used methods for sitting balance training in individuals with SCI. The pooled standardized mean difference for virtual reality-controlled trials on modified functional reach test outcome was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.34 to 2.34; p = 0.31).
Conclusion
The findings of this review suggest that novel therapies have the potential to restore sitting balance in individuals with SCI. Moreover, virtual reality training has shown significant improvement in sitting balance post SCI. Given the importance of sitting balance control underpinning all aspects of daily activities, there is a need for further well-designed and appropriately powered RCTs to evaluate specific features of other training interventions to improve sitting balance in SCI.
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