Efficacy of Tele-rehabilitation Intervention on Hand, Cognitive Functions & Depression of Hemiparetic Patients

Efficacy of Tele-rehabilitation Intervention on Hand, Cognitive Functions & Depression of Hemiparetic Patients

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are used in telerehabilitation to deliver rehabilitation treatments to patients in their homes or other locations.

Thirty hemiparetic patients with mild hand dysfunction of both sexes participated in the study (Age range was 45- to 55-year-old); 15 patients in the control group (GB) received a selected hand rehabilitation program, whereas 15 patients in the study group (GA) received telerehabilitation intervention. The 9HPT (Nine-hole peg test), FMUE (Fugl Meyer upper extremity), MOCA (Montreal cognitive assessment scale), REHACOM system, and the BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY QUESTIONNAIRE were used to evaluate the patients in both groups before and after the treatment program began.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between the ages of 45 and 55 were included in this study.
• Both men and women were among the patients. Patients with duration of illness between three to six months.
• According to the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the patients' hand spasticity ranged from grade 1 to +1.
• The patients had a Fugl Myer upper extremity score of at least nine, indicating mild hand function. On the BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY questionnaire, the patients' score ranged from 17 to 20 (Borderline clinical depression). Every patient had good vision and hearing.
• The patients successfully filled out the consent form and completed the assigned activities.
• In order to enable video communication while at home, patients need to have at least ten years of education to be able to use a smart device that is connected to the internet, such as a laptop, phone, or tablet.
• In addition to medical care, the patients shouldn't receive any other kind of treatment.
• The patients should be able to communicate and obey commands with ease. - - The patients' MMSE scores were over 21, indicating good cognitive abilities.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with unstable medical conditions, such as unstable angina, symptomatic heart failure, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or hypertension. - --- Patients who are unable to utilize the video communication device, have moderate to severe impairment of hand functions, or have any other pathology impacting hand function except stroke.
• Patients who have visual or hearing impairments.
• Patients who have communication issues or who have trouble understanding or obeying instructions.
• Individuals who have seizures or psychological disorders.
• Patients who have not had a stroke but have another illness that impairs cognitive function.
• Individuals who have a history of stroke or other neurological conditions.