Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Home-Based Rehabilitation on Improving Physical Function Among Home-Dwelling Patients With a Stroke

The influence of scaffolding on intrinsic motivation and autonomous adherence to a game-based, unsupervised home rehabilitation program for people with upper extremity hemiparesis due to stroke. A randomized controlled trial

Background

This parallel, randomized controlled trial examines intrinsic motivation, adherence and motor function improvement demonstrated by two groups of subjects that performed a twelve-week, home-based upper extremity rehabilitation program. Seventeen subjects played games presenting eight to twelve discrete levels of increasing difficulty. Sixteen subjects performed the same activities controlled by success algorithms that modify game difficulty incrementally.

Methods

33 persons 20 to 80 years of age, at least six months post stroke with moderate to mild hemiparesis were randomized using a random number generator into the two groups. They were tested using the Action Research Arm Test, Upper Extremity Fugl Meyer Assessment, Stroke Impact Scale and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory pre and post training. Adherence was measured using timestamps generated by the system. Subjects had the Home Virtual Rehabilitation System [1]systems placed in their homes and were taught to perform rehabilitation games using it. Subjects were instructed to train twenty minutes per day but were allowed to train as much as they chose. Subjects trained for twelve weeks without appointments and received intermittent support from study staff. Group outcomes were compared using ANOVA. Correlations between subject demographics and adherence, as well as motor outcome, were evaluated using Pearson Correlation Coefficients. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) models were generated to predict responders using demographics and baseline measures.

Results

There were 5 dropouts and no adverse events. The main effect of time was statistically significant for four of the five clinical outcome measures. There were no significant training group by time interactions. Measures of adherence did not differ between groups. 21 subjects from both groups, demonstrated clinically important improvements in UEFMA score of at least 4.25 points. Subjects with pre training UEFMA scores below 53.5 averaged a seven-point UEFMA increase. IMI scores were stable pre to post training.

Conclusions

Scaffolding did not have a meaningful impact on adherence or motor function improvement. A sparsely supervised program of game-based treatment in the home was sufficient to elicit meaningful improvements in motor function and activities of daily living. Common factors considered barriers to the utilization of telerehabilitation did not impact adherence or motor outcome.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov - NCT03985761, Registered June 14, 2019.

Assessment of the Impact of Home-Based Hospitalization on Health Outcomes: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

In Portugal, evidence of clinical outcomes within home-based hospitalization programs remains limited. Despite the adoption of homebased hospitalization services, it is still unclear whether these services represent an effective way to manage patients compared with inpatient hospital care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of home-based hospitalization compared with conventional hospitalization in a group of patients with a primary diagnosis of infectious, cardiovascular, oncological, or 'other' diseases.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study using anonymized administrative data to investigate the outcomes of home-based hospitalization (n = 209) and conventional hospitalization (n = 192) for 401 Portuguese patients admitted to CUF hospitals (Tejo, Cascais, Sintra, Descobertas, and the Unidade de Hospitalização Domiciliária CUF Lisboa). Data on demographics and clinical outcomes, including Barthel index, Braden scale, Morse scale, mortality, and length of hospital stay, were collected. The statistical analysis included comparison tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study found no statistically significant differences between patients' admission and discharge for the Barthel index, Braden scale, and Morse scale scores, for both conventional and home-based hospitalizations. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found in the length of stay between conventional and home-based hospitalization, although patients diagnosed with infectious diseases had a longer stay than patients with other conditions. Although the mortality rate was higher in home-based hospitalization compared to conventional hospitalization, the mortality risk index (higher in home-based hospitalization) assessed at admission was a more important predictor of death than the type of hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The study found that there were no significant differences in outcomes between conventional and home-based hospitalization. Home-based hospitalization was found to be a valuable aspect of patient- and family-centered care. However, it is noteworthy that patients with infectious diseases experienced longer hospital stays.

Designing for usability: development and evaluation of a portable minimally-actuated haptic hand and forearm trainer for unsupervised stroke rehabilitation

In stroke rehabilitation, simple robotic devices hold the potential to increase the training dosage in group therapies and to enable continued therapy at home after hospital discharge. However, we identified a lack of portable and cost-effective devices that not only focus on improving motor functions but also address sensory deficits. Thus, we designed a minimally-actuated hand training device that incorporates active grasping movements and passive pronosupination, complemented by a rehabilitative game with meaningful haptic feedback. Following a human-centered design approach, we conducted a usability study with 13 healthy participants, including three therapists. In a simulated unsupervised environment, the naive participants had to set up and use the device based on written instructions. Our mixed-methods approach included quantitative data from performance metrics, standardized questionnaires, and eye tracking, alongside qualitative feedback from semi-structured interviews. The study results highlighted the device's overall ease of setup and use, as well as its realistic haptic feedback. The eye-tracking analysis further suggested that participants felt safe during usage. Moreover, the study provided crucial insights for future improvements such as a more intuitive and comfortable wrist fixation, more natural pronosupination movements, and easier-to-follow instructions. Our research underscores the importance of continuous testing in the development process and offers significant contributions to the design of user-friendly, unsupervised neurorehabilitation technologies to improve sensorimotor stroke rehabilitation.

Effects of home-based exercise interventions on post-stroke depression: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common and persistent mental disorder that negatively impacts stroke outcomes. Exercise-based interventions have been shown to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for improving depression in patients with mild stroke, but no reviews have yet synthesized the effects of home-based exercise on PSD.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to synthesize the available evidence to compare the effectiveness of different types of home-based exercise programs on PSD and identify the optimal home-based exercise modality to inform clinical decision-making for the treatment of PSD.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were systematically searched from their inception dates to March 7, 2023. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of home-based exercise for PSD in adults aged 18 years and older. Only scores of depression retrieved directly post-treatment were included as the primary endpoint for the analysis. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) was used to assess the quality of included studies. We conducted traditional pairwise meta-analysis for direct comparisons using Review Manager 5.4.1, followed by network meta-analysis using Stata 15.1 for both the network evidence plot and analysis. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to estimate the intervention hierarchy. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO under registration number CRD42022363784.

RESULTS

A total of 517 participants from nine RCTs were included. Based on the ranking probabilities, mind-body exercise was the most effective way in improving PSD (SUCRA: 90.4 %, Hedges' g: -0.59, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -1.16 to -0.02), followed by flexibility/neuro-motor skills training (SUCRA: 42.9 %, Hedges' g: -0.10, 95 % CI: -0.70 to 0.49), and aerobic exercise (SUCRA: 39.3 %, Hedges' g: -0.07, 95 % CI: -0.81 to 0.67). We performed a subgroup analysis of mind-body exercise. In mind-body exercise interventions, Tai Chi was the most effective way to improve PSD (SUCRA: 99.4 %, Hedges' g: -0.94, 95 % CI: -1.28 to -0.61).

CONCLUSIONS

Our network meta-analysis that provides evidence with very low certainty indicates potential benefits of home-based exercise for alleviating PSD, with mind-body exercises, notably Tai Chi, showing promise as an effective treatment. However, further rigorous studies are needed to solidify these findings. Specifically, multicenter RCTs comparing specific exercises to no intervention are crucial, assessing not only efficacy but also dose, reach, fidelity, and long-term effects for real-world optimization.

Rehabilitation models that support transitions from hospital to home for people with acquired brain injury (ABI): a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Research shows a lack of continuity in service provision during the transition from hospital to home for people with acquired brain injuries (ABI). There is a need to gather and synthesize knowledge about services that can support strategies for more standardized referral and services supporting this critical transition phase for patients with ABI. We aimed to identify how rehabilitation models that support the transition phase from hospital to home for these patients are described in the research literature and to discuss the content of these models.

METHODS

We based our review on the "Arksey and O`Malley framework" for scoping reviews. The review considered all study designs, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies. We extracted data of service model descriptions and presented the results in a narrative summary.

RESULTS

A total of 3975 studies were reviewed, and 73 were included. Five categories were identified: (1) multidisciplinary home-based teams, (2) key coordinators, (3) trained family caregivers or lay health workers, (4) predischarge planning, and (5) self-management programs. In general, the studies lack in-depth professional and contextual descriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variety of rehabilitation models that support the transition phase from hospital to home for people with ABI. The variety may indicate a lack of consensus of best practices. However, it may also reflect contextual adaptations. This study indicates that health care service research lacks robust and thorough descriptions of contextual features, which may limit the feasibility and transferability to diverse contexts.

Task-specific training versus usual care to improve upper limb function after stroke: the "Task-AT Home" randomised controlled trial protocol

Background

Sixty percent of people have non-functional arms 6 months after stroke. More effective treatments are needed. Cochrane Reviews show low-quality evidence that task-specific training improves upper limb function. Our feasibility trial showed 56 h of task-specific training over 6 weeks resulted in an increase of a median 6 points on the Action Research Arm test (ARAT), demonstrating the need for more definitive evidence from a larger randomised controlled trial. Task-AT Home is a two-arm, assessor-blinded, multicentre randomised, controlled study, conducted in the home setting.

Aim

The objective is to determine whether task-specific training is a more effective treatment than usual care, for improving upper limb function, amount of upper limb use, and health related quality of life at 6 weeks and 6 months after intervention commencement. Our primary hypothesis is that upper limb function will achieve a ≥ 5 point improvement on the ARAT in the task-specific training group compared to the usual care group, after 6 weeks of intervention.

Methods

Participants living at home, with remaining upper limb deficit, are recruited at 3 months after stroke from sites in NSW and Victoria, Australia. Following baseline assessment, participants are randomised to 6 weeks of either task-specific or usual care intervention, stratified for upper limb function based on the ARAT score. The task-specific group receive 14 h of therapist-led task-specific training plus 42 h of guided self-practice. The primary outcome measure is the ARAT at 6 weeks. Secondary measures include the Motor Activity Log (MAL) at 6 weeks and the ARAT, MAL and EQ5D-5 L at 6 months. Assessments occur at baseline, after 6 weeks of intervention, and at 6 months after intervention commencement. Analysis will be intention to treat using a generalised linear mixed model to report estimated mean differences in scores between the two groups at each timepoint with 95% confidence interval and value of p.

Discussion

If the task-specific home-based training programme is more effective than usual care in improving arm function, implementation of the programme into clinical practice would potentially lead to improvements in upper limb function and quality of life for people with stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration

ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12617001631392p.aspx.

Factors that influence the provision of home-based rehabilitation services for people needing rehabilitation: a qualitative evidence synthesis

BACKGROUND

To increase people's access to rehabilitation services, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to explore how the delivery of these services can be adapted. This includes the use of home-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation. Home-based rehabilitation services may become frequently used options in the recovery process of patients, not only as a solution to accessibility barriers, but as a complement to the usual in-person inpatient rehabilitation provision. Telerehabilitation is also becoming more viable as the usability and availability of communication technologies improve.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors that influence the organisation and delivery of in-person home-based rehabilitation and home-based telerehabilitation for people needing rehabilitation.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched PubMed, Global Health, the VHL Regional Portal, Epistemonikos, Health Systems Evidence, and EBM Reviews as well as preprints, regional repositories, and rehabilitation organisations websites for eligible studies, from database inception to search date in June 2022.  SELECTION CRITERIA: We included studies that used qualitative methods for data collection and analysis; and that explored patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and other stakeholders' experiences, perceptions and behaviours about the provision of in-person home-based rehabilitation and home-based telerehabilitation services responding to patients' needs in different phases of their health conditions.   DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used a purposive sampling approach and applied maximum variation sampling in a four-step sampling frame. We conducted a framework thematic analysis using the CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research) framework as our starting point. We assessed our confidence in the findings using the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach.  MAIN RESULTS: We included 223 studies in the review and sampled 53 of these for our analysis. Forty-five studies were conducted in high-income countries, and eight in low-and middle-income countries. Twenty studies addressed in-person home-based rehabilitation, 28 studies addressed home-based telerehabilitation services, and five studies addressed both modes of delivery. The studies mainly explored the perspectives of healthcare providers, patients with a range of different health conditions, and their informal caregivers and family members.  Based on our GRADE-CERQual assessments, we had high confidence in eight of the findings, and moderate confidence in five, indicating that it is highly likely or likely respectively that these findings are a reasonable representation of the phenomenon of interest. There were two findings with low confidence. High and moderate confidence findings Home-based rehabilitation services delivered in-person or through telerehabilitation  Patients experience home-based services as convenient and less disruptive of their everyday activities. Patients and providers also suggest that these services can encourage patients' self-management and can make them feel empowered about the rehabilitation process. But patients, family members, and providers describe privacy and confidentiality issues when services are provided at home. These include the increased privacy of being able to exercise at home but also the loss of privacy when one's home life is visible to others.  Patients and providers also describe other factors that can affect the success of home-based rehabilitation services. These include support from providers and family members, good communication with providers, the requirements made of patients and their surroundings, and the transition from hospital to home-based services. Telerehabilitation specifically Patients, family members and providers see telerehabilitation as an opportunity to make services more available. But providers point to practical problems when assessing whether patients are performing their exercises correctly. Providers and patients also describe interruptions from family members.  In addition, providers complain of a lack of equipment, infrastructure and maintenance and patients refer to usability issues and frustration with digital technology. Providers have different opinions about whether telerehabilitation is cost-efficient for them. But many patients see telerehabilitation as affordable and cost-saving if the equipment and infrastructure have been provided. Patients and providers suggest that telerehabilitation can change the nature of their relationship. For instance, some patients describe how telerehabilitation leads to easier and more relaxed communication. Other patients describe feeling abandoned when receiving telerehabilitation services.  Patients, family members and providers call for easy-to-use technologies and more training and support. They also suggest that at least some in-person sessions with the provider are necessary. They feel that telerehabilitation services alone can make it difficult to make meaningful connections. They also explain that some services need the provider's hands. Providers highlight the importance of personalising the services to each person's needs and circumstances.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This synthesis identified several factors that can influence the successful implementation of in-person home-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation services. These included factors that facilitate implementation, but also factors that can challenge this process. Healthcare providers, program planners and policymakers might benefit from considering these factors when designing and implementing programmes.

A meta-analysis of studies of the effects of case management intervention for stroke survivors across three countries

PURPOSE

A stroke survivor who is discharged to home care faces many challenges during the transition from the hospital to home, including managing their care at home and engaging in rehabilitation and recovery. Case management was developed to ease the transition from hospital to home and help people with stroke cope with their care management challenges. However, the effects of case management intervention remain inconclusive. Case management was designed to direct care and may represent a novel method for reducing the burden of care. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of case management interventions on mental health outcomes, activities of daily living capacity, physical function, and social function among stroke survivors.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

This study included studies examining the impacts of case management interventions for stroke survivors that were published in English and identified by searching eight databases, from database inception to February 20, 2022. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to pool effect sizes using a random-effects model (in Stata 16.0). The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) was used to assess the methodological quality of each study.

FINDINGS

The inclusion criteria were satisfied by eight studies (including a total of 1119 stroke survivors). Case management had positive effects on mental health (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.45, p = 0.001) and activities of daily living (SMD: 0.68; 95% CI: 00.37 to 0.99, p < 0.001). However, no significant effects were observed for either physical function or social function.

CONCLUSION

Case management appears to enhance the mental health and activities of daily living among stroke survivors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Case management interventions hold promise as efficient, cost-effective, and accessible strategies to positively influence care for stroke survivors. This intervention strategy could be applied to the hospital-to-home transition to guide care among this population.

Changes in the higher-level functional capacities for modern daily living in community-dwelling stroke survivors: A preliminary case series

Along with the development of modern technology, the variety of higher-level activities of daily living has steadily expanded. However, no reports have examined the capacities for the higher-level activities in stroke survivors. Moreover, the relationship between these capacities and executive functions has not been reported. This preliminary study longitudinally measured changes in the capacities for high-level activities of modern daily living in community-dwelling stroke survivors. In addition, we examined whether changes in these capacities were correlated with executive functions. The results showed no significant reduction in the capacities for high-level activities of modern daily living at 1 year after stroke. Significant improvements were observed in one aspect of executive functions: planning. The changes in the capacities for higher-level activities of modern daily living were significantly correlated with executive function. The results suggest that, in stroke survivors, (a) it is likely feasible to maintain the capacities for higher-level activities of modern daily living, and (b) these capacities are related to executive functions.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Exercise in Improving Physical Function of Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review

Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery for stroke survivors, and numerous studies have examined various exercises and treatments of stroke. In addition, it is very important for patients to choose the timing of rehabilitation and what kind of rehabilitation they will proceed with. The purpose of the current study is to examine research investigating the effects of rehabilitation exercise programs in recovery of physical function in patients with stroke, based on aspects of their physical function, physical strength, and daily activities, and systematically examine their effects. Therefore, through systematic review, we have investigated the effects of interventions in rehabilitation exercise programs for recovery of physical function in patients with stroke. We collected relevant publications through the databases MEDLINE/PubMed and Google scholar. Twenty-one articles were ultimately selected for the analysis. We classified the rehabilitation programs and identified the trends of treatment for stroke survivors. Our review indicated that task-oriented therapy is still dominant, but various types of combined rehabilitations have been attempted. In addition, it was identified that physical and active rehabilitation were required rather than unconditional rest, even at an early stage. Home-based treatment was used for rapid recovery and adaptation to daily life during the mid-term period.

Effectiveness of home-based upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Home-based training is an alternative option to provide intensive rehabilitation without costly supervised therapy. Though several studies support the effectiveness of home-based rehabilitation in improving hemiparetic upper limb function in stroke survivors, a collective evaluation of the evidence remains scarce.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the effects of home-based upper limb rehabilitation for hemiparetic upper limb recovery in stroke survivors.

Methods

The databases of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched from January 2000 to September 2020. Only randomized, controlled, and cross-over trials that evaluated the effects of home-based upper limb interventions were selected. The Pedro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. A meta-analysis of the upper limb function outcomes was performed by calculating the mean difference/standardized mean difference using a fixed/random effect model.

Results

An initial search yielded 1,049 articles. Twenty-six articles were included in the review. The pooled evidence of the meta-analysis showed that home-based upper limb intervention was more effective in improving upper limb function [SMD: 0.28, 95% CI (0.12, 0.44), I² = 0%, p < 0.001, fixed effect model] than conventional therapy. When comparing two types of home-based interventions, subgroup analysis revealed that home-based technology treatment—electrical stimulation—provided more significant improvement in upper limb function than treatment without the use of technology (SMD: 0.64, 95% CI (0.21, 1.07), I² = 0%, p = 0.003, random effect model).

Conclusion

The beneficial effects of home-based upper limb interventions were superior to conventional therapy in improving function and perceived use of the hemiparetic upper limb in daily activities. Among the home-based interventions, home-based electrical stimulation seemed to provide the most optimal benefits.

Community-Based Interventions After Acquired Brain Injury-A Systematic Review of Intervention Types and Their Effectiveness

OBJECTIVES

Comprehensive review of existing types and effectiveness of community-based interventions delivered to adults (mean age 18-65 years) with long-lasting (≥6 months) difficulties following acquired brain injury (ABI).

DESIGN

Systematic review of controlled intervention studies published until February 2021.

MAIN MEASURES

Systematic searches in databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects [Cochrane Library], and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [Cochrane Library]) and inclusion of English peer-reviewed full-text articles; randomized or controlled community-based intervention studies; sample size of 20 or more participants; and 3 or more intervention sessions. Two reviewers independently extracted data for the synthesis and assessed the methodological quality. Data extraction included study characteristics, demographics of participants, content and dose of intervention, outcome measures, and findings.

RESULT

The search returned 7386 publications, of which 49 eligible studies were included, revealing a diverse range of community-based interventions and a myriad of outcome measures applied for assessing functional capacities, participation, and quality of life in the chronic phase of ABI. Intervention types encompassed 14 holistic, 23 physical, and 12 specific interventions. A large heterogeneity regarding intervention frequency and intensity was found. Meta-analyses performed on the holistic, physical, and specific interventions did not indicate any significant pooled effects but showed highly variable effects between individuals, both in persons with traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of lack of pooled effects within types of community-based interventions, specific evidence-based recommendations within holistic, physical, and specific interventions designed to mitigate long-lasting ABI problems cannot be made. This review highlights the need for future studies to address methodological issues concerning larger sample size, lack of clear description interventions and comparator, missing reports of effects in change scores, need for consistent use of recommended outcome measures, and investigating the wide variety in intervention responsiveness among participants with ABI. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42019124949).

Home-based is as effective as centre-based rehabilitation for improving upper limb motor recovery and activity limitations after stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of home-based exercises in comparison with centre-based exercises for improving the paretic upper limb after stroke.

DATA SOURCES

AMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and PEDro databases.

REVIEW METHODS

Only randomized clinical trials were included. Participants in the reviewed studies were adults at any time after stroke. The experimental intervention was home-based exercises compared with centre-based exercises. Outcome data related to strength, motor recovery, dexterity, activity, and participation were extracted from the eligible trials and combined in meta-analyses. The quality of included trials was assessed by the PEDro scores. The quality of evidence was determined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

Eight trials, involving 488 participants, were included. Most trials (63%) delivered semi-supervised interventions (amount of supervision 3-43%), and three trials provided full supervision. Random-effects meta-analyses provided moderate- to high-quality evidence that home- and centre-based exercises provide similar effects on motor recovery (MD 1.4 points; 95% CI -0.9 to 3.8), dexterity (MD -0.01 pegs/s; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.05), upper limb activity performance (SMD -0.04; 95% CI -0.25 to 0.18), and quality of movement (0.1 points; 95% CI -0.2 to 0.4). Effects on strength were also similar but the quality of the evidence was rated as low. No trials examined effects on participation.

CONCLUSION

Effects of home-based prescribed exercises on upper limb motor recovery, dexterity, and activity are likely to be similar to improvements obtained by centre-based exercises after stroke.

Measured and Perceived Effects of Upper Limb Home-Based Exergaming Interventions on Activity after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

After discharge from the hospital to home, stroke patients may experience weakness and reduced movement in their hemiparetic arms that limits their ability to perform daily activities. Therapists can use exercise games (exergames) to maintain functional abilities and daily use of the arm at home. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the efficiency of upper limb home-based rehabilitation, using exergaming on activity abilities in stroke.&amp;nbsp;Randomized controlled trials were reviewed in the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and SCOPUS online databases. Clinical measures of observation and self-reporting were studied in post-intervention and follow-up. Nine studies were included in this systematic review (535 participants). The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score was 6.6/10 (SD 1.0, range 5-8), indicating good quality. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that upper limb home-based exergaming interventions were no more effective in terms of activity than conventional therapy after stroke, according to the observational and subjective assessments in post-intervention and follow-up. Using this same approach, future studies should focus on evaluating home-based exergames through subgroup analysis to be able to propose recommendations.

Home-based exercises are as effective as equivalent doses of centre-based exercises for improving walking speed and balance after stroke: a systematic review

QUESTIONS

In people who have had a stroke, how comparable are the effects of home-based exercises with those of equivalent centre-based exercises for improving walking speed, balance, mobility and participation? Is the comparability of the effects of these two types of exercise maintained beyond the intervention period?

DESIGN

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO and PEDro databases, without date or language restrictions.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants in the reviewed studies were ambulatory adults at any time after stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

The experimental intervention consisted of home-based exercises, which was compared with equivalent doses of centre-based exercises.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Walking speed, balance, mobility and participation.

DATA ANALYSIS

The quality of included trials was assessed using the PEDro scores. Outcome data were extracted from the eligible trials and combined in random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of evidence was determined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

Nine trials involving 609 participants were included. Random-effects meta-analyses provided high-quality evidence that home-based and centre-based exercises provide similar effects on walking speed (MD -0.03 m/s, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.02) and balance (MD 0 points, 95% CI -1 to 2). Results regarding mobility (SMD -0.4, 95% CI -1.3 to 0.4) and participation (MD -5 points, 95% CI -19 to 10) were imprecise. For most outcomes, the effects of home-based exercises and centre-based exercises remained similar beyond the intervention period.

CONCLUSION

Effects of home-based prescribed exercises on walking speed, balance, mobility and participation are likely to be similar to improvements obtained by equivalent doses of centre-based exercises after stroke.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42021254642).

Brazilian practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: Part II

The Brazilian Practice Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation - Part II, developed by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, in Portuguese), focuses on specific rehabilitation techniques to aid recovery from impairment and disability after stroke. As in Part I, Part II is also based on recently available evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other guidelines. Part II covers disorders of communication, dysphagia, postural control and balance, ataxias, spasticity, upper limb rehabilitation, gait, cognition, unilateral spatial neglect, sensory impairments, home rehabilitation, medication adherence, palliative care, cerebrovascular events related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the future of stroke rehabilitation, and stroke websites to support patients and caregivers. Our goal is to provide health professionals with more recent knowledge and recommendations for better rehabilitation care after stroke.

Attitudes and use patterns for mobile technology and upper extremity home exercises in stroke survivors in the United States

Introduction

The use of mobile technology (MT) in home-based occupational therapy is expected to continue growing. This study describes daily use patterns for MT and upper extremity (UE) home exercise programs (HEPs) for community-dwelling stroke survivors in the United States.

Method

Cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate comparisons.

Results

N = 61 (30 stroke and 31 controls). Individuals with stroke had similar levels of knowledge, skill, and use of MT compared with non-disabled age-matched adults. Stroke participants used MT more frequently for information searching, social media, and reminders compared to control participants. Stroke participants were motivated to improve UE function (93.3%) and reported a need for additional HEP training (56.7%). Perceived facilitators to improve UE use included talking to peers (73.3%), getting more information (73.3%), and talking to a therapist (63.3%).

Conclusions

MT may have multiple potential benefits when integrated into occupational therapy practice including supporting instrumental ADLs, facilitating social connection, and increasing adherence to UE HEPs. Future work should focus on maximizing adherence and providing performance feedback through the use of social media to promote peer support and consistent remote communication using text messaging, phone calls, or video calls to deliver information and reminders on exercises.

Effects of a transitional home-based care program for stroke survivors in Harbin, China: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

China has the biggest stroke burden in the world. Continued measures have been taken to enhance post-stroke rehabilitation management in the last two decades. The weak link is with home-based rehabilitation, with more attention and resources devoted to inpatient rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

to address the service gap, this study tested a home-based transitional care model for stroke survivors.

METHODS

a randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2019 to May 2020 in Harbin, China, involving 116 patients with ischemic stroke. The intervention group participants (n = 58, 50%) received a 12-week home-based care program with components of transitional care measures and the national guidelines for facilitating patients to perform home-based exercises with continued monitoring and gradual progression. Control group participants received standard care including medication advice, rehabilitation exercise and one nurse-initiated follow-up call. Data were collected at baseline and after a 90-day (post-intervention) and a 180-day (post-intervention) follow-up. The primary outcome was quality of life (QOL), measured using the EuroQol-Five Dimension 5-Level scale (EQ-5D-5L).

RESULTS

both intervention and control groups showed improvement in EQ-5D-5L from baseline to post-intervention (0.66 versus 0.83, P < 0.001) and (0.66 versus 0.77, P < 0.001), respectively, and there was significant group-by-time interaction in EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale from baseline to post-intervention at 90 days and follow-up at 180 days with the intervention group experiencing better improvement. Similarly, significant interaction effects were also found in the Stroke Impact Symptom scale, self-efficacy and modified Barthel Index.

CONCLUSIONS

home-based transitional care was effective in improving QOL, symptoms, self-efficacy and activities of daily living.

Development of a DIY rehabilitation device for lower limb weakness in acute to subacute ischemic stroke

Many patients have significantly lower limb weakness after getting a stroke. Continuous regular physical therapy is essential to promote the improvement of the weakness and overall outcomes. Home rehabilitation provides motivation and enhances regular rehabilitation in stroke patients. The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) medical device is developed to fill the gap of unmet medical management needs and becomes increasingly applied in rehabilitation. The DIY device should support the concept of home rehabilitation in stroke patients. We designed and developed a low-cost, easy-to-use, DIY rehabilitation device to promote regular physical therapy in stroke patients with lower limb weakness. The methods and rationale of device development were described. The feasibility and safety of the device were also evaluated.•The DIY rehabilitation device for the lower limb is convenient and easy to assembly.•Regular home rehabilitation is enhanced with the DIY rehabilitation device.•The device is feasible and safe for physical therapy in stroke patients with lower limb weakness.

Beneficial Effects of Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Functional Recovery in Women after Stroke: A Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) could be a rehabilitation option for patients after experiencing a stroke. This study aims to determine the sex-related response to robot-assisted gait training in a cohort of subacute stroke patients considering mixed results previously reported. Materials and Methods: In this study, 236 participants (145 males, 91 females) were admitted to a rehabilitation facility after experiencing a stroke and performed RAGT within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC) were assessed at admission and discharge to determine sex-related outcomes. Results: At the baseline, no significant difference among sexes was observed. At the end of rehabilitation, both males and females exhibited significant improvements in FIM (71% of males and 80% of females reaching the MCID cut-off value) and FAC (∆score: men 1.9 ± 1.0; women 2.1 ± 1.1). A more remarkable improvement was observed in women of the whole population during the study, but statistical significance was not reached. When analysing the FAC variations with respect to the total number of RAGT sessions, a more significant improvement was observed in women than men (p = 0.025). Conclusion: In conclusion, among subacute stroke patients, benefits were observed following RAGT during a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in both sexes. A greater significant recovery for women with an ischemic stroke or concerning the number of sessions attended was also highlighted. The use of gait robotics for female patients may favour a selective functional recovery after stroke.

Self-Directed Exergaming for Stroke Upper Limb Impairment Increases Exercise Dose Compared to Standard Care

Background. One of the strongest modifiable determinants of rehabilitation outcome is exercise dose. Technologies enabling self-directed exercise offer a pragmatic means to increase dose, but the extent to which they achieve this in unselected cohorts, under real-world constraints, is poorly understood. Objective. Here we quantify the exercise dose achieved by inpatient stroke survivors using an adapted upper limb (UL) exercise gaming (exergaming) device and compare this with conventional (supervised) therapy. Methods. Over 4 months, patients presenting with acute stroke and associated UL impairment were screened at a single stroke centre. Participants were trained in a single session and provided with the device for unsupervised use during their inpatient admission. Results. From 75 patients referred for inpatient UL therapy, we recruited 30 (40%), of whom 26 (35%) were able to use the device meaningfully with their affected UL. Over a median enrolment time of 8 days (IQR: 5–14), self-directed UL exercise duration using the device was 26 minutes per day (median; IQR: 16–31), in addition to 25 minutes daily conventional UL therapy (IQR: 12–34; same cohort plus standard care audit; joint n = 50); thereby doubling total exercise duration (51 minutes; IQR: 32–64) relative to standard care (Z = 4.0, P <.001). The device enabled 104 UL repetitions per day (IQR: 38–393), whereas conventional therapy achieved 15 UL repetitions per day (IQR: 11–23; Z = 4.3, P <.001). Conclusion. Self-directed adapted exergaming enabled participants in our stroke inpatient cohort to increase exercise duration 2-fold, and repetitions 8-fold, compared to standard care, without requiring additional professional supervision.

Factors associated to functioning and health in relation to home rehabilitation in Sweden: a non-randomized pre-post intervention study

Background

Home rehabilitation is a growing rehabilitation service in many countries, but scientific knowledge of its components and outcomes is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate; 1) which changes in functioning and self-rated health could be identified in relation to a home rehabilitation program in a population of community-dwelling citizens, and 2) how socio-demographic factors, health conditions and home rehabilitation interventions were associated to change in functioning and self-rated health after the home rehabilitation program.

Method

The sample consisted of participants in a municipal home rehabilitation project in Sweden and consisted of 165 community-dwelling citizens. General Linear Models (ANOVA repeated measures) was used for identifying changes in rehabilitation outcomes. Logistic regressions analysis was used to investigate associations between rehabilitation outcomes and potential factors associated to outcome.

Result

Overall improvements in functioning and self-rated health were found after the home rehabilitation program. Higher frequencies of training sessions with occupational therapists, length of home rehabilitation, and orthopaedic conditions of upper extremities and spine as the main health condition, were associated with rehabilitation outcomes.

Conclusion

The result indicates that the duration of home rehabilitation interventions and intensity of occupational therapy, as well as the main medical condition may have an impact on the outcomes of home rehabilitation and needs to be considered when planning such programs. However, more research is needed to guide practice and policymaking.

Adherence to home exercises and rehabilitation (ADHERE) after stroke in low-to-middle-income countries: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Adherence to prescribed exercises is essential for home-based programs to be effective, but evidence for strategies to enhance exercise adherence in people with stroke is lacking.Objectives: To determine the effect of adherence strategies on the proportion of people with stroke who adhere to prescribed home-based exercises and their level of adherence at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. Our secondary objective was to determine the effect of the combined intervention on mobility and quality of life post-stroke.Methods: We conducted an RCT among people with stroke (Exp = 27, Con = 25) living in semi-urban India. Both groups received standard hospital care and a home exercise program. The experimental group also received adherence strategies delivered over five sessions. Adherence was measured using the Stroke-Specific Measure of Adherence to Home-based Exercises (SS-MAHE) , mobility using Mobility Disability Scale, and quality of life using the Stroke Impact Scale.Results: The experimental group had better exercise adherence compared to the control group both at six (mean difference [MD] 45, 95% CI 40, 64, p < .001) and 12 weeks (MD 51, 95% CI 39, 63, p < .001). The experimental group also had better mobility at 12 weeks (median (IQR), experimental 42 (57), median (IQR), control 95 (50), p = .002). There was no difference in the quality of life scores between groups at six or 12 weeks.Conclusion: The adherence strategies were effective in improving exercise adherence and mobility post-stroke but did not improve quality of life.Trial registration: CTRI/2018/08/015212.

Towards a Platform for Robot-Assisted Minimally-Supervised Therapy of Hand Function: Design and Pilot Usability Evaluation

Background

Robot-assisted therapy can increase therapy dose after stroke, which is often considered insufficient in clinical practice and after discharge, especially with respect to hand function. Thus far, there has been a focus on rather complex systems that require therapist supervision. To better exploit the potential of robot-assisted therapy, we propose a platform designed for minimal therapist supervision, and present the preliminary evaluation of its immediate usability, one of the main and frequently neglected challenges for real-world application. Such an approach could help increase therapy dose by allowing the training of multiple patients in parallel by a single therapist, as well as independent training in the clinic or at home.

Methods

We implemented design changes on a hand rehabilitation robot, considering aspects relevant to enabling minimally-supervised therapy, such as new physical/graphical user interfaces and two functional therapy exercises to train hand motor coordination, somatosensation and memory. Ten participants with chronic stroke assessed the usability of the platform and reported the perceived workload during a single therapy session with minimal supervision. The ability to independently use the platform was evaluated with a checklist.

Results

Participants were able to independently perform the therapy session after a short familiarization period, requiring assistance in only 13.46 (7.69–19.23)% of the tasks. They assigned good-to-excellent scores on the System Usability Scale to the user-interface and the exercises [85.00 (75.63–86.88) and 73.75 (63.13–83.75) out of 100, respectively]. Nine participants stated that they would use the platform frequently. Perceived workloads lay within desired workload bands. Object grasping with simultaneous control of forearm pronosupination and stiffness discrimination were identified as the most difficult tasks.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate that a robot-assisted therapy device can be rendered safely and intuitively usable upon first exposure with minimal supervision through compliance with usability and perceived workload requirements. The preliminary usability evaluation identified usability challenges that should be solved to allow real-world minimally-supervised use. Such a platform could complement conventional therapy, allowing to provide increased dose with the available resources, and establish a continuum of care that progressively increases therapy lead of the patient from the clinic to the home.

The effectiveness of community neurorehabilitation for persons with an acquired brain injury: protocol for a systematic review

Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any type of brain damage after birth.  ABI from either traumatic or non-traumatic origin is a leading cause of death and long-term disability globally.  The impact of an ABI can be cognitive and/ or physical, greatly affecting their ability to function independently.  With a lack of specialist inpatient rehabilitation facilities and services many of these survivors reside within the community either alone, with family or in residential facilities.  Up-to-date evidence is required to indicate which forms of community rehabilitation are most effective in improving cognitive and physical outcomes for survivors. This systematic review aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of community neuro-rehabilitation services for persons living with an ABI. Methods: A systematic review of relevant electronic databases will be undertaken to identify eligible published randomised controlled trials.  The PRISMA statement will be used to guide the systematic review.  From running the initial search, we aim to submit the paper for publishing within 6 months.  This process will be completed using Covidence software.  Two reviewers will independently screen the search results and select studies using pre-defined selection criteria, extract data from and assess risk of bias for selected studies.     Discussion: This systematic review will aim to explore the clinical effectiveness of community neuro-rehabilitation services for persons with an ABI.  It plans to review and synthesize the current best available evidence base. A goal of this study is to positively inform ongoing service development within a quality framework. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020148604 (26/02/2020)

Association of household income with home-based rehabilitation and home help service utilization among long-term home care service users

BACKGROUND

To examine the association of household income with home-based rehabilitation and home help services in terms of service utilization and expenditures.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional design was conducted using long-term care (LTC) insurance claims data, medical claims data, and three types of administrative data. The subjects comprised LTC insurance beneficiaries in Kashiwa city, Japan, who used long-term home care services in the month following care needs certification. Household income was the independent variable of interest, and beneficiaries were categorized into low-income or middle/high-income groups based on their insurance premiums. Using a two-part model, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the utilization of home-based rehabilitation and home help services in the month following care needs certification were estimated using logistic regression analysis, and the risk ratios (RRs) of service expenditures were estimated using a generalized linear model for gamma-distributed data with a log-link function.

RESULTS

Among 3770 subjects, 681 (18.1%) used home-based rehabilitation and 1163 (30.8%) used home help services. There were 1419 (37.6%) low-income subjects, who were significantly less likely to use (OR: 0.813; 95%CI: 0.670-0.987) and spend on (RR: 0.910; 95%CI: 0.829-0.999) home-based rehabilitation services than middle/high-income subjects. Conversely, low-income subjects were significantly more likely to use (OR: 1.432; 95%CI: 1.232-1.664) but less likely to spend on (RR: 0.888; 95%CI: 0.799-0.986) home help services than middle/high-income subjects.

CONCLUSION

Household income was associated with the utilization of long-term home care services. To improve access to these services, the LTC insurance system should examine ways to decrease the financial burden of low-income beneficiaries and encourage service utilization.