The effects of rehabilitative interventions on reading disorders caused by homonymous visual field defects: a meta-analysis focusing on improvement in reading speed

Introduction Reading disorders caused by homonymous visual field defects (HVFDs) have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. However, no review has been conducted to evaluate the available evidence on the effects of rehabilitative interventions on reading disorders caused by HVFDs. Thus, the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of rehabilitative interventions on reading disorders caused by HVFDs. Methods We searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect databases for relevant articles. Relevant search terms were used to identify reports of randomized controlled trials or randomized crossover trials published between January 1990 and December 2021. Only studies that included reading-speed-related outcomes were analyzed. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Ι 2 statistic. Results Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that rehabilitative interventions significantly improved reading disorders caused by HVFDs (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI 0.08–0.51; P < 0.01; Ι 2 = 0.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that reading training significantly improved reading disorders (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI 0.05–0.66; P = 0.02; Ι 2 = 0.0%). Conclusion Reading disorders caused by HVFDs can be improved through rehabilitation. In addition, reading training for the improvement of eye movement and fixation to compensate for foveal and parafoveal visual field defects may improve reading speed.