Gait Device Treatment Using Telehealth for Individuals With Stroke During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Nonrandomized Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Telehealth adoption surged during the COVID-19 pandemic for rehabilitation services.
• Pre-pandemic research confirmed telehealth efficacy for stroke-related upper extremity impairments.
• Limited guidance existed for remote gait assessment and treatment post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of telehealth for delivering gait treatment using the iStride wearable device to stroke survivors.
• To investigate remote delivery models for gait rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the safety, compliance, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of telehealth gait treatment.

Main Methods:

• Five individuals with chronic stroke participated in a 3-month remote treatment protocol.
• Included virtual training for at-home care partners and use of wearable gait sensors.
• Feasibility assessed via safety, compliance, and acceptability; efficacy measured by functional tests and quality of life scales.

Main Results:

• No serious adverse events were reported; high participant acceptance of telehealth delivery.
• High protocol compliance: 95% of treatment sessions, 100% of assessments, 85% of sensor usage.
• Average functional improvements exceeded minimal clinically important differences after 3 months.

Conclusions:

• Remote gait treatment delivery via telehealth is feasible for stroke survivors, particularly with care partner support.
• Telehealth gait rehabilitation can mitigate immobility impacts for individuals preferring or requiring remote care.
• This model offers a viable solution for continuous rehabilitation during public health crises or for remote patient management.