Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42037657›Full record

ArticleCardiology and cardiovascular medicine2026

Most Effective Interventions for Improving Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Hemiparesis.

Andre Aabedi, Daniel Mashiach, Marcel P Fraix, Devendra K Agrawal

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cardiology and cardiovascular medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Andre AabediDepartments of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766 USA.
Daniel MashiachPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766 USA.
Marcel P FraixPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766 USA.
Devendra K AgrawalDepartments of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766 USA.

Funding

Research Education Program to Promote Diversity in Immunologic and Allergic DiseasesR25AI179582 · NIAID · WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES · PI Devendra K. Agrawal · 2025 to 2026
$756k
NIAID NIH HHS R25 AI179582
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Hemiparesis, commonly resulting from stroke, leads to significant impairments in upper extremity function, limiting daily activities and reducing quality of life. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential to enhance motor recovery and restore functional independence. This review evaluates the most effective interventions for improving upper extremity function in patients with hemiparesis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and clinical guidelines. The efficacy of various interventions, including task-specific training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), mirror therapy, virtual reality, bilateral arm training, pharmacological approaches, and robotic-assisted rehabilitation, was assessed based on their impact on motor function and daily activities. The review highlights the role of neuroplasticity in motor recovery, emphasizing interventions that promote cortical reorganization. Task-specific training, CIMT, and NMES demonstrate strong evidence in enhancing motor function. Emerging technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces and robotics, show promise in optimizing rehabilitation outcomes. Factors influencing recovery, including stroke severity, time since onset, and patient motivation, are discussed. Studies consistently support the effectiveness of CIMT and task-specific training in improving upper extremity function. NMES and mirror therapy are beneficial adjunct therapies, particularly for patients with moderate impairment. Virtual reality and robotics enhance engagement and motor learning, while pharmacological and stem cell therapies are emerging areas with potential but require further research. A multimodal rehabilitation approach combining task-oriented therapies, neuromodulation, and emerging technologies yields the best outcomes for upper extremity recovery in hemiparesis patients. Future research should focus on optimizing individualized treatment plans and integrating novel therapeutic modalities to maximize functional gains.

Indexed as

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)HemiparesisIndividualized TreatmentMultimodal RehabilitationNeuromodulationNeuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)NeuroplasticityRehabilitationRobotic-assisted rehabilitationRoboticsTask-specific trainingUpper Extremity Function

Identifiers

PMID42037657
PMCPMC13108678

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.