Data Sheet 1_Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in restoring lower limb motor function after stroke.pdf

A random-effects model was applied to calculate pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals.</p>Results<p>Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review, of which 14 studies involving 623 participants were included in the quantitative synthesis. Non-pharmacological interventions demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in lower limb motor function compared with conventional rehabilitation (MD = 3.06, 95% CI 1.97–4.16; Z = 5.48, p < 0.00001), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 60%).

In the subgroup analysis, robotic/mechanized rehabilitation interventions showed a significant positive effect (MD = 3.00, 95% CI 1.66–4.33; I² = 57%), as did other non-pharmacological interventions (MD = 3.15, 95% CI 0.94–5.35; I² = 68%). There was no statistically significant difference between the subgroups (p = 0.91; I² = 0%).</p>Conclusion<p>Non-pharmacological rehabilitation interventions were associated with a statistically significant improvement in lower limb motor function after stroke compared with conventional rehabilitation.

Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies, highlighting the need for further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized intervention protocols and longer follow-up.</p>Systematic review registration<p>crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251154919.</p>