Telerehabilitation Following Stroke

Perspectives of Decision Support System TeleRehab in the Management of Post-Stroke Telerehabilitation

Stroke is the main cause of disability among adults. Decision-making in stroke rehabilitation is increasingly complex; therefore, the use of decision support systems by healthcare providers is becoming a necessity. However, there is a significant lack of software for the management of post-stroke telerehabilitation (TR). This paper presents the results of the developed software "TeleRehab" to support the decision-making of clinicians and healthcare providers in post-stroke TR. We designed a Python-based software with a graphical user interface to manage post-stroke TR. We searched Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases to obtain research papers with results of clinical trials for post-stroke TR and to form the knowledge base of the software. The findings show that TeleRehab suggests recommendations for TR to provide practitioners with optimal and real-time support. We observed feasible outcomes of the software based on synthetic data of patients with balance problems, spatial neglect, and upper and lower extremities dysfunctions. Also, the software demonstrated excellent usability and acceptability scores among healthcare professionals.

Outcome Measures Utilized to Assess the Efficacy of Telerehabilitation for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

Outcome measures using telerehabilitation (TR) in the context of post-stroke rehabilitation are an area of emerging research. The current review assesses the literature related to TR for patients requiring post-stroke rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to survey the outcome measures used in TR studies and to define which parts of the International Organization of Functioning are measured in trials.

METHODS

TR studies were searched in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) from 2016 to June 2023. Two reviewers individually assessed the full text. Discrepancies regarding inclusion or exclusion were resolved by an additional reviewer.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies were included in the current review. The findings were synthesized and presented taking into account their implications within clinical practice, areas of investigation, and strategic implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The scoping review has recognized a broad range of outcome measures utilized in TR studies, shedding light on gaps in the current literature. Furthermore, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and end users (such as clinicians and policymakers), providing insights into the most appropriate outcome measures for TR. There is a lack of studies examining the required follow-up after TR, emphasizing the need for future research in this area.