Objectives: This review quantitatively evaluates the effectiveness of gross-motor-based interventions in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), examining treatment aspects such as group interventions, therapy duration, and frequency. Methods: A systematic literature review, spanning January 2010 to December 2022, identified 11 relevant articles involving 492 children. Results: Positive outcomes were observed, with a moderate to large overall effect size (Cohen’s d) indicating significant improvements in motor function through strategies emphasizing activity, bodily function, games, and small group events. Notably, interventions targeting complex motor skills were crucial for enhancing preparedness and activity engagement, improving fitness, and preventing obesity in children with DCD. Conclusions: The review underscores the effectiveness of activity-oriented and body-function-focused therapies in enhancing motor skills and functioning, emphasizing the need for interventions aligned with real-world activities. Future research should explore the long-term effects and retention of motor improvements, offering valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to promote overall well-being in children with DCD.

To systematically review physical therapy interventions for stroke survivors in Arab countries and summarize the clinical and demographic characteristics, types and intensities of interventions, outcomes assessed, and adverse events. We conducted a systematic search of Google Scholar, ISI web of science, Scopus, Medline/PubMed, and ProQuest databasesfrom inception to 2025. Studies were eligible if they evaluated physical therapy interventions for stroke rehabilitation in Arab countries and reported clinical outcomes. We included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), and robotic-assisted therapy. NMES improved gait and lower limb function; CIMT and robotic-assisted therapy enhanced upper limb motor recovery; rESWT reduced spasticity and increased grip strength. Variability in methodologies, short durations, and limited accessibility were common limitations. Although physical therapy interventions show beneficial outcomes for stroke rehabilitation in Arab countries, the evidence base is limited due to the small number of reported studies. There is a clear need for more high-quality research, including multicenter and longitudinal studies, to establish standardized, accessible, and culturally relevant rehabilitation practices across the region.PROSPERO No.: CRD420251007974.

Background: After a stroke, inpatients often receive less than the recommended dose of therapy. Telerehabilitation may assist by providing personalised rehabilitation programmes without face-to-face therapy time. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of an individualised programme of upper-limb rehabilitation that is delivered via an online rehabilitation platform for inpatient stroke survivors. Methods: Stroke survivors were recruited from three stroke units in one NHS Board in Scotland and randomised to the intervention (personalised upper-limb exercise programme delivered via an online physiotherapy platform for four weeks, up to 30 min five times per week, in addition to usual care) or the control group (usual care). The main outcomes are related to recruitment, attrition, adherence and safety. The clinical measures were the Action Research Arm Test, Trunk Impairment Scale and Modified Ashworth Scale. The intervention participants, their carers and physiotherapists completed questionnaires on the acceptability of the intervention. Results: Twenty-six participants, 42% males, were recruited around three weeks post-stroke, on average. There were 13 participants in each group, with a mean age of 69 years (SD of 12) and 67 years (SD of 11) for the control and intervention groups, respectively. Overall, 47% of those screened for eligibility were randomised, and attrition was 23% in the intervention group mainly due to discharge before the end of the intervention. Participants who adhered to their programme (completed more than two-thirds), generally those with an engaged carer, demonstrated a trend toward improved clinical outcomes. Overall, the patients, carers and physiotherapists were positive regarding the intervention. There was a total of five reported adverse events, none of which were related to the study. Conclusion: An upper-limb unsupervised exercise intervention using an online physiotherapy platform for inpatient stroke survivors is feasible, safe and acceptable to patients, carers and physiotherapists. A fully powered RCT is warranted to investigate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of such interventions for this patient group.

BACKGROUND: Stroke rehabilitation is a vital component of post-stroke care, and the length of stay (LOS) in hospitals and rehabilitation centers varies across healthcare systems. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed LOS among stroke survivors in Arab countries. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search identified studies reporting LOS in stroke rehabilitation. A comprehensive literature search from the inception until March 2025 identified studies reporting LOS in stroke rehabilitation. RESULTS: A total of 18 publications (25 datasets) involving 12 690 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled mean LOS was 25.67 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.22–35.11]. Subgroup analyses showed a longer LOS in Saudi Arabia (37.03 days, 95% CI: 24.11–49.95) compared to other Arab countries (8.87 days, 95% CI: 4.90–12.84), and in rehabilitation centers (46.71 days, 95% CI: 33.18–60.24) compared to acute hospital settings (9.07 days, 95% CI: 5.27–12.86). LOS varies widely across Arab countries and care settings. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need to examine whether differences in LOS are associated with functional recovery and healthcare efficiency. However, substantial heterogeneity across studies and a lack of outcome data limit the interpretability of the results.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to significant physical and cognitive impairments. Rehabilitation, particularly physical therapy, has emerged as a crucial component in managing MS-related disability by improving mobility, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall quality of life. This narrative review investigates current international guidelines on physical therapy and rehabilitation for MS. Literature search in databases (January 2010 until August 2025) resulted in three guidelines that met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that structured aerobic and resistance training programmes, combined with balance and flexibility exercises, contribute significantly to maintaining functional independence. Additionally, assistive technologies offer promising advances in patient-centred care. However, challenges such as limited accessibility, variability in disease presentation, and adherence to rehabilitation programmes pose significant barriers. This narrative review highlights the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical guidelines to optimize physical therapy interventions and improve the long-term well-being of MS patients.