RT journal article
T1 Dropout rate in randomised controlled trials of balance and gait rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: is it expected to be different for virtual reality-based interventions? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression
A1 Casuso-Holgado, Maria Jesus
A1 García Muñoz, Cristina
A1 Martín Valero, Rocío
A1 Lucena Antón, David Manuel
A1 Moral Muñoz, José Antonio
A1 Cortés Vega, María Dolores
A2 Enfermería y Fisioterapia
K1 Adherence
K1 Attrition
K1 Dropout rate
K1 Multiple sclerosis
K1 Virtual reality
AB To assess and meta-analyse the pooled dropout rate from the randomised control trilas that use virtual reality for balance or gait rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis. A systematic review of randomised control trials with meta-analysis and meta-regressions was performed. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, the Cochrane Database, CINHAL, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest. It was last updated in July 2022. After the selection of studies, a quality appraisal was carried out using the PEDro Scale and the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials. A descriptive analysis of main characteristics and dropout information was performed. An overall proportion meta-analysis calculated the pooled dropout rate. Odds ratio meta-analysis compared the dropout likelihood between interventions. The meta-regression evaluated the influence of moderators related to dropout. Sixteen studies with 656 participants were included. The overall pooled dropout rate was 6.6% and 5.7% for virtual reality and 9.7% in control groups. The odds ratio (0.89, p = 0.46) indicated no differences in the probability of dropouts between the interventions. The number, duration, frequency, and weeks of sessions, intervention, sex, multiple sclerosis phenotype, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and PEDro score were not moderators (p > 0.05). Adverse events were not reported and could not be analysed as moderators. Dropouts across the virtual reality and control comparators were similar without significant differences. Nonetheless, there is a slight trend that could favour virtual reality. Standardisation in reporting dropouts and adverse events is recommended for future trials. PROSPERO database, registration number ID CRD42021284989
PB Springer
SN 1359-4338
YR 2022
FD 2022-12-07
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/29383
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/29383
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 21-sep-2026