Remote Rehabilitation of Patients with Impaired Motor Functions in Cerebral Pathology

Abstract

Introduction. After passing the inpatient rehabilitation program, patients often experience a regression of the results achieved due to the low activity of outpatient rehabilitation. The solution to this problem is the introduction of remote rehabilitation programs. Purpose. To analyze the results of remote patients’ rehabilitation with impaired motor functions in cerebral stroke using Steps Reabil software. Material and methods. 32 patients with stroke were examined at the ISMA clinic. They were randomly assigned to a group of patients who continued a remote course of kinesotherapy using the Steps Reabil program for 3 months. (Steps Reabil group, n = 14) and to the group of people who received recommendations on therapeutic exercises for homework and were not appealing to this software (comparison group, n = 18). At the time of discharge, 1 and 3 months into, the capabilities were evaluated according to the Frenchay, «Stand up and go» tests, the Rivermead mobility index and Hauser Ambulation Index, the Berg Balance Scale, and the EuroQol-5D quality of life questionnaire. Results. When comparing the initial results in the study groups, a statistically significant difference was found between the indicators on the Berg Balance Scale (the indicators were lower in the Steps Rehabil group), but the differences were leveled out after 3 months. When comparing the results in the Steps Reabil group at discharge and after 3 months, there was an improvement as of the Berg Balance Scale, the Rivermead mobility index and the Hauser Ambulation Index, and the Frenchay arm test. In the comparison group, from the moment of discharge and 3 months into, the results on the Berg Balance Scale improved (p <0.05). Conclusion. The functioning of patients who continued rehabilitation kinesiotherapeutic measures using modern information technologies continues to improve effectively in everyday life. Remote rehabilitation for 3 months is much more effective than short-term monthly, which indicates the need for continuous controlled rehabilitation measures. The Berg Balance Scale is especially sensitive in assessing the functional capabilities of patients.