Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation for Stroke Patients: A Critical Review

Abstract

Background: Traditional in-person rehabilitation programs have limitations, such as travel barriers, limited access to specialized care, and high costs. Telerehabilitation, on the other hand, offers a remote solution for stroke patients to receive rehabilitation services in the comfort of their homes. This critical review aims to analyze and synthesize the existing literature on telerehabilitation for stroke patients, evaluating its effectiveness in improving functional outcomes, reducing disability, and enhancing patient satisfaction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Review articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2023 were included in the analysis.

Results: A thorough study of the current literature showed a complete body of evidence on the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for stroke patients in the systematic review. The findings from this large body of research consistently supported the efficacy of telerehabilitation in improving various functional outcomes in stroke patients. The key outcomes evaluated were motor function, balance, and daily life activities. The findings were extremely encouraging, as telerehabilitation had significant and beneficial impacts in these areas, adding to stroke patients' overall well-being and recovery.

Conclusion: The review's findings imply that telerehabilitation has the potential to be a successful stroke patient intervention. Transportation constraints, lack of specialized stroke care specialists, and geographic distance can all be solved with the remote delivery of rehabilitation services. Future research should improve telerehabilitation therapies, find the best patient demographics, and assess long-term results.