Data mining versus manual screening to select papers for inclusion in systematic reviews: a novel method to increase efficiency.

Systematic reviews rely on identification of studies, initially through electronic searches yielding potentially thousands of studies, and then reviewer-led screening studies for inclusion. This standard method is time- and resource-intensive. We designed and applied an algorithm written in Python involving computer-aided identification of keywords within each paper for an exemplar systematic review of arm impairment after stroke.

Home-based therapy programmes for upper limb functional recovery following stroke.

Background: With an increased focus on home-based stroke services and the undertaking of programmes, targeted at upper limb recovery within clinical practice, a systematic review of home-based therapy programmes for individuals with upper limb impairment following stroke was required.

Objectives: To determine the effects of home-based therapy programmes for upper limb recovery in patients with upper limb impairment following stroke.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group's Specialised Trials Register (May 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1950 to May 2011), EMBASE (1980 to May 2011), AMED (1985 to May 2011) and six additional databases.

Predictors of upper limb recovery after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To systematically review and summarize the current available literature on prognostic variables relating to upper limb recovery following stroke. To identify which, if any variables predict upper limb recovery following stroke.

Data Sources: We completed searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL databases.

Do vascular risk factors explain the association between socioeconomic status and stroke incidence: a meta-analysis.

Background: Reduced socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the mechanism is not clear. It may be that those with lower SES have a greater burden of classic vascular risk factors.

Methods: Our aim was to quantify the extent to which classic vascular risk factors explain the association between SES and stroke incidence.

Simultaneous bilateral training for improving arm function after stroke.

Background: Simultaneous bilateral training, the completion of identical activities with both arms simultaneously, is one intervention to improve arm function and reduce impairment.

Objectives: To determine the effects of simultaneous bilateral training for improving arm function after stroke.

Search Strategy: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Trials Register (last searched August 2009) and 10 electronic bibliographic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and AMED (August 2009).

Motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review.

Loss of functional movement is a common consequence of stroke for which a wide range of interventions has been developed. In this Review, we aimed to provide an overview of the available evidence on interventions for motor recovery after stroke through the evaluation of systematic reviews, supplemented by recent randomised controlled trials. Most trials were small and had some design limitations.