M E T H O D S
Criteria for considering studies for this review
Types of studies
We included controlled trials where participants were randomly
assigned. We planned to include the first phase of cross-over studies
where the order of assignment was determined randomly. We
included trials with or without blinding of participants, treating
therapist(s) and assessor(s). We documented and explored these
parameters within the review.
Types of participants
We included trials enrolling adult participants (aged over 18 years)
with a clinical diagnosis of stroke (World Health Organization definition,
Hatano 1976), which could be either ischaemic or haemorrhagic
in origin (with confirmation of the clinical diagnosis using
imaging not compulsory).