Neurologic and musculoskeletal effects of tilt-table standing on adults: a systematic review.
Richard W Bohannon, Michelle D Green
PMID 34539077WHAT IT FOUND
Tilt-table standing in adults with neurologic disorders did not show consistent neurologic or musculoskeletal benefits, although some studies reported small increases in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.
Key findings
01Some tilt-table studies reported small increases in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.
02Effects on spasticity, walking, transfers, and standing ability were inconsistent or not significant.
03Arousal and consciousness findings were mixed, with some studies reporting improvement and others not finding consistent improvement.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The review included 20 articles, and participants in each study ranged from 1 to 38. Study quality scores ranged from 2 to 9 out of 11, and no study blinded participants or therapy providers. Populations, tilt-table angles, standing times, wedges, and combined treatments varied widely. Many studies combined tilt-table standing with routine therapy, wedges or incline plates, stretch, splinting, electrical stimulation, robotic stepping, arm cranking, treadmill training, or standard rehabilitation. Sessions were usually 20 to 40 minutes, and no study used more than 40 minutes per session. Some participants experienced orthostatic intolerance.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that tilt-table standing reliably reduces spasticity or improves walking, transfers, or consciousness. The review found inconsistent results, and several studies combined tilt-table standing with routine therapy, wedges, incline plates, stretch, splinting, electrical stimulation, robotic stepping, arm cranking, treadmill training, or standard rehabilitation, so the effect of tilt-table standing alone cannot be separated.