title: Feasibility of a home-based telerehabilitation system compared to usual care: arm/hand function in patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis.
abstract: We conducted a randomized controlled multicentre trial to investigate the feasibility of a telerehabilitation intervention for arm/hand function (the Home Care Activity Desk [HCAD] training) in a home setting. Usual care was compared to HCAD training. The hypothesis was that the clinical outcomes of the HCAD intervention would be at least the same as those measured after a period of usual care for patients with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) with respect to their arm/hand function. Eighty-one patients with affected arm/hand function resulting from either stroke, MS or TBI were recruited in Italy, Spain and Belgium; 11 were lost during follow-up (14%). The outcome measures were the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT). There were no significant differences between the two groups on the outcome measures (ARAT and NHPT); in both groups, patients maintained or even improved their arm/hand function. The HCAD training was found to be as feasible as usual care in terms of clinical outcomes, and both therapists and patients were satisfied with the HCAD intervention. A telerehabilitation intervention using HCAD may increase the efficiency of care.
authors.affiliation: Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghbleekweg 33b, 7522 AH Enschede, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Barbara C H
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Huijgen
authors.forename: Miriam M R
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Vollenbroek-Hutten
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zampolini
authors.forename: Eloy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Opisso
authors.forename: Montse
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernabeu
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Nieuwenhoven
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ilsbroukx
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Magni
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giacomozzi
authors.forename: Velio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Marcellari
authors.forename: Sandro Scattareggia
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Marchese
authors.forename: Hermie J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Hermens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult