Evaluation of a Digitally Guided Self-Rehabilitation Device Coupled With Telerehabilitation Monitoring in Patients With Parkinson Disease (TELEP@RK): Open, Prospective Observational Study.

Margaux Blanc,Benoit Nicolas,Philippe Gallien,Elodie Le Toullec,Emilie Leblong,Anne-Laure Roy,Bastien Fraudet,Patrice Piette

doi:10.2196/24946

Abstract

BackgroundParkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disease causing a progressive loss of autonomy. This requires long-term rehabilitation care. Currently, new technologies are being developed for use in daily life, and there is a progressive implementation of telerehabilitation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study (the TELEP@RK study) is to evaluate the uses of a digital self-rehabilitation device in patients with Parkinson disease and their independent physiotherapists on the scale of a health territory.MethodsA total of 10 independent physiotherapists and 31 patients with Parkinson disease were followed for 1 year to evaluate the use of a telerehabilitation tool (digital tablet and inertial sensor) via questionnaires of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The questionnaires were submitted to participants at 0, 2, and 12 months from the start of follow-up. The averages of the scores of the different determinants and constructs of the UTAUT questionnaires were compared at the different follow-up times.ResultsAmong professionals, the averages of the various determinants were generally high at the beginning of the study with an average (out of 5) performance expectancy of 4.19, effort expectancy of 3.88, social influence of 3.95, facilitating conditions of 4, and intention to use of 3.97. These averages decreased over time.ConclusionsAcceptability, acceptance, and appropriation of the tool were very high among the physiotherapists as well as the patients, despite the tool’s lack of evolution during the study. In the current health care context, these results allow us to envision a new organization of the care pathway for patients with chronic diseases, with the increased use of new technologies associated with telecare.

Highlights

Parkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor and nonmotor symptoms
A total of 10 independent physiotherapists and 31 patients with Parkinson disease were followed for 1 year to evaluate the use of a telerehabilitation tool via questionnaires of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT)
Acceptability, acceptance, and appropriation of the tool were very high among the physiotherapists as well as the patients, despite the tool’s lack of evolution during the study

Summary

Introduction

Parkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor and nonmotor symptoms. 1 (page number not for citation purposes) surgical treatments This is why it is important to offer patients rehabilitative care as soon as possible [2,3]. It has been shown that exercise (eg, aerobic exercise, stretching, strengthening exercises, balance exercises, dance, resistance training, and walking) has positive effects on the quality of life of patients [4] and improves motor and nonmotor symptoms [5,6]. Among patients with Parkinson disease, those who benefit from ambulatory rehabilitative care seem to have an improved quality of life [9]. Parkinson disease is a neurodegenerative disease causing a progressive loss of autonomy New technologies are being developed for use in daily life, and there is a progressive implementation of telerehabilitation

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Conclusion