Synchronous Home-Based Telerehabilitation of the Upper Extremity Following Stroke-A Pyramid Review

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Digital Health
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Stroke is a primary cause of long-term disability, frequently impacting upper extremity function.
• Home-based telerehabilitation presents a viable solution for delivering therapy remotely.
• This review assesses telerehabilitation's effectiveness for upper extremity function post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of home-based telerehabilitation for stroke patients' upper extremity function.
• To synthesize findings from quantitative and qualitative studies on this topic.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review utilizing the Pyramid Review methodology.
• Inclusion of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.
• Data synthesis through meta-analysis and narrative synthesis.

Main Results:

• Thirty studies indicated telerehabilitation improved upper extremity function in both subacute and chronic stroke.
• Adapted constraint-induced movement therapy and sensor-based interventions yielded consistent positive outcomes.
• Qualitative data highlighted convenience, gamification, and social support as key adherence factors.

Conclusions:

• Home-based telerehabilitation demonstrates potential for enhancing upper extremity function in stroke patients.
• Intervention design and outcome heterogeneity currently limit definitive conclusions.
• Future research should prioritize larger trials, standardized measures, and long-term follow-up.