Telerehabilitation and Occupational Performance in Stroke

Effects of Telerehabilitation on the Occupational Performance of Stroke Patients Treated by an Occupational Therapy Service: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The objective of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of using telerehabilitation (remote care) by occupational therapists on improving the performance and recovery of patients within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) who have suffered a stroke and are on a waiting list for specialized rehabilitation care.

The main question it seeks to answer is:

• What are the effects of occupational therapy services provided through telerehabilitation for the population with stroke sequelae?
• Do the guidelines provided by telerehabilitation result in improved occupational performance (ability to perform activities of daily living) of the participants?

The researchers compare an experimental group (receiving telerehabilitation treatment) with a waitlist group (which will remain on the waitlist without receiving a specific intervention).

Participants are required to:

• Answer a sociodemographic questionnaire;
• Participate in assessments using standardized scales on basic and instrumental activities of daily living and use of the affected limb (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Katz Scale, and Motor Activity Log).
• Receive and apply Occupational Therapy guidelines (if in the intervention group).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically stable
• Diagnosis of sequelae of stroke (regardless of modified Rankin scale score)
• On a waiting list with medical indication for Occupational Therapy at IMREA HCFMUSP
• Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connection allowing for video calls
• Ability to understand the Portuguese language
• Availability of a caregiver to assist during therapy sessions, if necessary

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically unstable patients (e.g., frail elderly with decompensated chronic diseases)
• High-risk pregnant women
• Lack of access to internet or devices required for telerehabilitation
• Absence of a caregiver when assistance is required for sessions