Exploring the concept of feedback provision during motor skill training for people living with a long – term neurological impairment: a scoping review

Abstract

Background Feedback plays a fundamental role in motor skill training. A significant challenge that physiotherapists face during daily clinical practice is to structure, formulate and deliver feedback in an efficient manner, incorporating a standardized approach that will facilitate motor skill acquisition for people with neurological disorders.

Objectives The objective of this scoping review was to identify and describe feedback provided by physiotherapists during the rehabilitation process of people living with long-term neurological impairments.

Data sources A comprehensive search across the following databases was undertaken: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sport Discus, Web of Science and Pedro

Study selection Articles were included if they reported on studies involving feedback applied by the therapist during rehabilitation for people living with long-term neurological impairments.

Synthesis methods A narrative synthesis was undertaken to describe and appraise the current state of the literature

Results Eighteen articles were included and analysed in this scoping review. Most of the articles involved stroke patients, apart from one study that involved cerebral palsy children and another one including patients with Parkinson disease. Verbal feedback was the most described type of feedback. Verbal feedback and other types of feedback identified have not been reported with consistency and clarity. It was also found that the feedback provided was often not described in sufficient detail.

Conclusion Feedback protocols used in the rehabilitation of people living with long-term conditions have been poorly described and structured in the articles included in this review.