title: iPad technology for home rehabilitation after stroke (iHOME): a proof-of-concept randomized trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tablets are a novel line of computers controlled by a multitouch screen. Fine motor movements are captured on the tablet computer through electrical fields and can be qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. Evidence is limited on tablet use for stroke rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  iHOME is an investigator-initiated randomized controlled pilot trial with a single-blinded outcome assessment. The intervention consists of iPad use (investigational group) vs. usual care (control group) among patients receiving conventional outpatient rehabilitation. Eligibility includes aged 18-85 years who experienced a mild ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (as diagnosed on neuroimaging and determined by the Chedoke-McMaster score ≥3. The STROKE REHAB® software for the iPad was specifically designed for patients with fine motor weakness and/or neglect. Of the total 30 patients, 20 will be in iHOME Acute (enrolled within three-months of stroke onset) and 10 patients in iHOME Chronic (enrolled more than six-months from onset).
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary feasibility outcome is the proportion of the scheduled iPad time used (more than 70% (≥140 mins) of the total 'dose' of intervention intended will be considered successful). Efficacy in fine motor movements will be assessed using the nine-hole peg test; time to magnify and pop the balloons in the iPad software application, and improvement in Wolf Motor Function Test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  iHOME is a randomized controlled trial assessing the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of tablet technology for home use in stroke rehabilitation. The results of this study will serve as the basis for a larger multicenter trial.
authors.affiliation: Stroke Outcomes Research Centre, Division of Neurology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Neuroscience Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saposnik
authors.forename: Chi-Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gladstone
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brawer
authors.forename: Kevin E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Thorpe
authors.forename: Avon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saldanha
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dang
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bayley
authors.forename: Tom A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Schweizer
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003201:Computers; D006801:Humans; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications; D009048:Motor Skills; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D018579:Patient Selection; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: outcomes; rehabilitation; stroke; tablet technology