title: Implementation of a technology-assisted programme to intensify upper limb rehabilitation in neurologically impaired participants: A prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the implementation of a technology-assisted programme to intensify upper limb rehabilitation after stroke and other neurological conditions in an Australian community cohort.
  
  
  METHODS
  A "Hand Hub" was established in a tertiary hospital. Intervention was delivered via individual or group sessions for a period of up to 6 weeks, in addition to the patients' regular therapy. Patients were assessed before and after the programme using validated measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 92 participants completed both assessments (mean age 57 years (standard deviation 17 years), 58% male and 88% with stroke). Post-intervention, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and strength (p < 0.001, effect sizes (r) = 0.5-0.7), streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test score (p < 0.05, r = 0.2-0.4), improved muscle tone on the Modified Ashworth Scale (p < 0.001, r = 0.4), Functional Independence Measure (locomotion, mobility and psychosocial subscales (p < 0.05, r = 0.2-0.3). Quality of life (EQ-5D) and overall health also improved significantly (p < 0.01 for all, r = 0.3-0.6).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The "Hand Hub" programme is feasible and showed promising results for upper limb function in persons with neurological disorders. The findings need to be further confirmed in a larger study sample, with a longer follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine , (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, 34-54 Poplar Road, Parkville, Melbourne VIC 3052, Australia. m.galea@unimelb.edu.au, mary.galea@mh.org.au.
authors.forename: Mary P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Galea
authors.forename: Fary
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Bhasker
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Amatya
authors.forename: Alaeldin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Elmalik
authors.forename: Marlena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Klaic
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abbott
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*