Critically Appraised Topics

I reviewed the Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) that was titled “There is low level evidence to support the use of functional electrical stimulation to enhance function in the upper limbs of children with neurological conditions” (1). Erin Cleary, Alison Waite, and Kathryn Asher from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network prepared the CAT in May 2011 with a suggested next review date in May 2013. Direct contact information for the preparers was not listed, though their department and location within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network were both listed.
The title of the CAT was meant to be informative as it told the reader that there is indeed low level evidence to support the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in children with neurological conditions, but the clinical bottom line shows that there is not real evidence to support this claim. An informative title allows busy clinicians interested in this topic to know exactly what they will …show more content…
In the clinical bottom line, it is stated that more research needs to be done in order for a definitive conclusion to be reached on FES increasing the function of the upper limb in children with neurological conditions. The message presented in the bottom line section is clear, but it would not be considered strong. Researchers clearly state that they cannot come to a definitive answer with the information available, but that answer makes for a weak message overall. Again, due to the lack of evidence to prove or disprove the usefulness of FES on upper limb function in children with neurological conditions, this CAT would not be the most useful in clinical practice. If future research brings a more concrete answer, the CAT may have become more useful after its next review date in May