PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of trunk restraint (TR) training on post-stroke compensatory trunk movements during functional reach, and to identify functional gains of TR within the context of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: Six databases were searched prior to 20 February 2013. Randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of a post-stroke reaching intervention with and without TR in the adult post-stroke population were included in this review. Data related to study inclusion/exclusion criteria, methodology, study participants and between-group outcomes (p < 0.05) were extracted. All outcomes were categorized according to functional domains defined within the ICF. RESULTS: Five RCTs met the inclusion criteria. TR groups demonstrated significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) for decreased compensatory trunk displacement (4/5 RCTs), increased elbow extension (3/5 RCTs) and increased shoulder flexion (2/5 RCTs). All significant between-group differences fell within the Body Structure/Function domain of the ICF. CONCLUSIONS: Trunk restraint is a simple, cost-effective technique that may help to reduce compensatory trunk/shoulder/elbow movements in the post-stroke adult population. Synthesis of study outcomes also highlights applications of TR to clinical practice and areas for further research.

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