Group Versus Individual Therapy for Neurologic Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate evidence for group-based interventions compared with individual-based interventions for sensorimotor rehabilitation in adults with neurologic conditions.

Data sources: Medline, Embase, Emcare, and PsychINFO were searched from inception to July 2024.

Study selection: Randomized controlled trials that compared group versus individual delivery of the same type of sensorimotor rehabilitation for adults with neurologic conditions were included.

Data extraction: Two reviewers independently screened, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data. Study characteristics, participant details, intervention/control characteristics, and clinical outcomes were extracted.

Data synthesis: Ten trials were included in the review. Participant groups included people with Parkinson disease (2 trials), multiple sclerosis (1 trial), and stroke (7 trials). Meta-analyses found significant effects in favor of group interventions for 6-minute walk test distance (mean difference, 36.18m; 95% CI, 14.58-57.77; P=.001), and gait speed (mean difference, 0.2m/s; 95% CI, 0.13-0.27; P<.0001). No difference was found for other clinical measures.

Conclusions: Group-based rehabilitation appears to deliver improved ambulation speed and distance in people with neurologic conditions. Further research is required to understand whether group-based rehabilitation has additional benefits for motivation and social support. Delivery of rehabilitation in a group appears worthy of consideration in clinical settings.

Keywords: Group therapy; Individual therapy; Neurologic conditions; Rehabilitation; Systematic review.