Upper Extremity Motor Function

This meta-analysis expanded the evidence base beyond the narrower focus of prior reviews, which had examined only upper extremity motor function. ICU rehabilitation research and practice have historically given less emphasis to targeted upper-limb interventions than to respiratory function and early mobilisation. The applicability of stroke upper-limb rehabilitation strategies to critically ill adults is uncertain. Participants with a mean age below 60 years showed no statistically significant WMFT improvement over controls, though this finding requires cautious interpretation due to small subgroup sizes. There is limited clarity about optimal dosage, progression, or therapeutic intent for ICU upper-limb rehabilitation. High GRADE evidence ratings for the Motor Activity Log support reliable conclusions about VNS improving real-world arm use quantity and quality. The positive pooled WMFT effect should be interpreted cautiously because its low GRADE rating is attributed to imprecision and requires further verification. Protocols, intensity, and clinical reasoning for upper-limb rehabilitation interventions remain inconsistent. Existing ICU rehabilitation studies mainly focus on whol…