Environmental influence on physical disability: a systematic review of the literature

A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the recommendations of the following documents: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement (STROBE). The studies selected confirmed the theoretical precepts of the ICF. The interference of the physical and social environment, in general, might be attributed to different clinical conditions, especially in neurology, both in quantitative and qualitative studies.

Methodological limitations were observed that may be obstacles to consolidating some guidelines, which should encourage further research on the subject with judicious methods, validated instruments and carefully selected samples.