Home-based tele-rehabilitation presents comparable positive impact on self-reported functional outcomes as usual care: The Singapore Tele-technology Aided Rehabilitation in Stroke (STARS) randomised controlled trial.

Asano M, Tai BC, Yeo FY, Yen SC, Tay A, Ng YS, De Silva DA, Caves K, Chew E, Hoenig H, Koh GC. Home-based tele-rehabilitation presents comparable positive impact on self-reported functional outcomes as usual care: The Singapore Tele-technology Aided Rehabilitation in Stroke (STARS) randomised controlled trial. Journal of telemedicine and telecare. 2021 May 1; 27(4):231-238.

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Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a novel tele-rehabilitation system on self-reported functional outcomes compared to usual care during the first three months after stroke. METHODS: A parallel, two-arm, evaluator-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Adults aged = 40 years who had suffered a stroke within four weeks of the start of the study were recruited from the general community. The intervention group received access to a novel tele-rehabilitation system and programme for three months. The primary outcome measures utilised were the frequency and limitation total scores of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) at three months. RESULTS: A total of 124 individuals were recruited. The mean differences in the LLDFI frequency and limitation total scores at three months comparing the intervention and control groups were -3.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) -7.81 to 1.21) and -6.90 (95% CI -15.02 to 1.22), respectively. Adjusting for the respective baseline covariates and baseline Barthel Index also showed no significant difference between interventions in the LLFDI outcomes. DISCUSSION: The intervention and control groups self-reported similar improvements in functional outcomes. Tele-rehabilitation may be a viable option to provide post-stroke rehabilitation services in Singapore while reducing barriers to continue rehabilitation conventionally after discharge from hospital and encouraging more participation.