title: Rehab-let: touchscreen tablet for self-training impaired dexterity post stroke: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Impaired dexterity of the weaker upper extremity is common post stroke and it is recommended that these individuals practice many repetitions of movement to regain function. However, stroke rehabilitation methods do not achieve the required intensity to be effective. Touchscreen tablet technology may be used as a motivating tool for self-training impaired dexterity of the weaker upper extremity post stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rehab-let is a self-training protocol utilizing game apps on a touchscreen for practicing movement of the weaker upper extremity. We will conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to assess Rehab-let compared to traditional self-training to improve dexterity of the weaker hand, and to increase self-training time and satisfaction in individuals with subacute stroke. Forty individuals with stroke undergoing subacute rehabilitation will be randomly allocated to Rehab-let or a traditional self-training program using therapeutic aids such as balls, blocks and pegs. All participants will be requested to perform self-training for 60 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Dexterity assessed by The Nine Hole Peg Test is the main outcome measure. Assessments will be administered pre and post the self-training intervention by assessors blind to the group allocation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcomes of this study will inform the design of a fully powered randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Rehab-let. If found to be effective, Rehab-let can be used during subacute rehabilitation to increase treatment intensity and improve dexterity. Potentially, Rehab-let can also be used after discharge and might be ideal for individuals with mild stroke who are often not referred to formal rehabilitation.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Current Controlled Trials NCT02136433 registered on 17 September 2014.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. drand@post.tau.ac.il.
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rand
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-HaShomer, Tel-HaShomer, Israel. Gabi.Zeilig@sheba.health.gov.il.|Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Gabi.Zeilig@sheba.health.gov.il.
authors.forename: Gabi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zeilig
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. rkizony@univ.haifa.ac.il.|Department of Occupational Therapy, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, Tel Hashomer, Israel. rkizony@univ.haifa.ac.il.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kizony
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D063731:Mobile Applications; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012107:Research Design; D012648:Self Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors; D014110:Touch; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000294:innervation*