Towards precision vibration therapy for poststroke balance: a domain-specific systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION

Balance impairment is a major contributor to falls, reduced mobility and loss of independence in individuals after stroke. Vibration therapy (VT) has been increasingly investigated as a non-invasive intervention to improve postural control and balance in individuals with stroke. However, the reported effects remain inconsistent, and a comprehensive synthesis focusing specifically on balance-related outcomes is lacking. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VT on balance function and to explore the influence of intervention characteristics and outcome constructs.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies will be systematically identified from major electronic databases. Balance-related outcomes will be categorised using a predefined construct-based framework (eg, static postural control, dynamic balance, limits of stability, functional mobility and gait performance). Meta-analyses will be conducted only within conceptually homogeneous constructs; otherwise, findings will be synthesised narratively. Risk of bias will be assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions. Random-effects models will be applied where appropriate, and meta-regression analyses will be exploratory.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because this study will use only previously published data and will not involve individual-level human participant data. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at relevant academic conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD420251110102.