Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological condition affecting the peripheral nervous system. Initial symptoms include tingling and numbness in the limbs, followed by muscle weakness and limited joint mobility. All this negatively affects individuals’ abilities, as it prevents them from independently performing daily activities. Occupational therapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation of individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome, focusing on restoring lost functional abilities. Purpose: This thesis aimed to analyse studies to investigate the role of occupational therapy in the rehabilitation of individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome and the effects of occupational therapy interventions on functional recovery and quality of life. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Studies were searched based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria in the CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, and OTseeker databases, using Boolean operators AND and OR. Additional studies were identified through manual reference screening. Included studies were categorized by level of evidence and assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute criteria and relevance in relation to the research questions. Results: A total of 11 studies were included in the final analysis. Two thematic categories were identified: the role of occupational therapy in individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome and the effects of occupational therapy in their treatment. Thematic analysis showed that occupational therapy supports restoration of functional abilities and reintegration of individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome into daily life. Discussion and conclusion: Most studies focused on short-term effects, while long-term rehabilitation effectiveness remains underexplored. The review confirms occupational therapy’s contribution to functional independence, social inclusion, reduced fatigue, and improved quality of life, and underscores the need for research on its processes and long-term outcomes.
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