Implementation of a technology-assisted programme to intensify upper limb rehabilitation in neurologically impaired
Mary P Galea1, Fary Khan, Bhasker Amatya
1Department of Medicine , (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia. m.galea@unimelb.edu.au, mary.galea@mh.org.au.
Objective:
To evaluate the implementation of a technology-assisted programme to intensify upper limb rehabilitation after stroke and other neurological conditions in an Australian community cohort.
Methods:
A "Hand Hub" was established in a tertiary hospital. Intervention was delivered via individual or group sessions for a period of up to 6 weeks, in addition to the patients' regular therapy. Patients were assessed before and after the programme using validated measures.
Results:
A total of 92 participants completed both assessments (mean age 57 years (standard deviation 17 years), 58% male and 88% with stroke). Post-intervention, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and strength (p < 0.001, effect sizes (r) = 0.5-0.7), streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test score (p < 0.05, r = 0.2-0.4), improved muscle tone on the Modified Ashworth Scale (p < 0.001, r = 0.4), Functional Independence Measure (locomotion, mobility and psychosocial subscales (p < 0.05, r = 0.2-0.3). Quality of life (EQ-5D) and overall health also improved significantly (p < 0.01 for all, r = 0.3-0.6).
Conclusion:
The "Hand Hub" programme is feasible and showed promising results for upper limb function in persons with neurological disorders. The findings need to be further confirmed in a larger study sample, with a longer follow-up.
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