Improving Quality of Life and Depression After Stroke Through Telerehabilitation.
March/April 2015
American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Linder, et. al.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of home-based robot-assisted rehabilitation coupled with a home exercise program compared with a home exercise program alone on depression and quality of life in people after stroke.
Method: A multisite randomized controlled clinical trial was completed with 99 people <6 months after stroke who had limited access to formal therapy. Participants were randomized into one of two groups, (1) a home exercise program or (2) a robot-assisted therapy + home exercise program, and participated in an 8-week home intervention.
Results: We observed statistically significant changes in all but one domain on the Stroke Impact Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for both groups.
Conclusion: A robot-assisted intervention coupled with a home exercise program and a home exercise program alone administered using a telerehabilitation model may be valuable approaches to improving quality of life and depression in people after stroke.
Principal Findings:
- The Hand Mentor provides an objective way for monitoring rehabilitation.
- The Hand Mentor provides a means for continued non-motor recovery when access is limited.
- The Hand Mentor improves quality of life and depression symptoms when utilized in the stroke survivor’s home.