The Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Improving Upper Extremity in Parkinson's Patients

The Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Training Based Telerehabilitation in Improving Upper Extremity Motor Function in Parkinson's Patients

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a disease that affects the functional skills of the upper extremity with clinical findings such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and hypokinesia and causes limitations in the daily life activities of the patients. Task-oriented training (TOT) is a highly individualized, client-centered, occupational therapy, functional-based intervention compatible with motor learning and motor control principles such as intensive motor training, variable practice, and intermittent feedback. Few studies have been found on the TOT of the upper extremity in PD. Telerehabilitation of Parkinson's patients shows many strengths, such as cost-related and time-dependent ease, and the possibility of telecommunication with clinicians. In addition, the refinement of digital health solutions with the goal to offer a patient-tailored intervention remains an ongoing process. There are a limited number of studies on TOT and telerehabilitation of the upper extremity in PD. In addition, no studies have been found applying TOT through telerehabilitation. For this purpose, a study including TOT-based telerehabilitation in upper extremity education in PD was planned.

This study is a randomized controlled study. The patients will be randomly divided into two groups as exercise and control. Balance and walking exercises consisting of 3 days a week for 6 weeks will be given to both groups as a home program. In addition, the exercise group will receive TOT-based telerehabilitation via video conferencing 3 days a week for 6 weeks. TOT will be formed from daily life activities such as reaching out, grasping, writing, and manual skills, which are frequently used in daily life. As the outcome measures, disease severity and disability, finger and hand function, hand strength, and quality of life will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 45- 70 years of age
• Having diagnosed with "Parkinson's Disease" by a specialist physician
• Having between 1-3 stages according to the Hoehn and Yahr Scale
• Mini-Mental Test score more than or equal 24

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any orthopedic, vision, hearing, cardiovascular, or perception problems that may affect the research results