Functional rehabilitation through occupational therapy for individuals with Guillain–Barré syndrome: a scoping review

Abstract

The objective of this review is to analyze and synthesize recent scientific evidence on occupational therapy interventions in the rehabilitation of individuals with Guillain–Barré syndrome. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, including studies published between 2023 and 2025. Studies addressing rehabilitation processes or occupational therapy interventions in populations diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome were included, using a qualitative narrative synthesis. Nine studies were identified, with a predominance of descriptive designs and case reports. Findings indicate that occupational therapy is primarily integrated during the subacute and chronic phases of the rehabilitation process. Interventions focused on activities of daily living training, upper extremity function, environmental adaptation, and social reintegration. The findings reveal a predominance of descriptive study designs and case reports. Although occupational therapy provides relevant contributions to the functional rehabilitation of individuals with Guillain–Barré syndrome, the available scientific evidence is still limited. Therefore, future research should be strengthened through studies with greater methodological rigor.