A stroke often results in lower body mobility issues, impacting daily life and mental well-being. UBC Okanagan researchers are investigating innovative treatment approaches to address this gap in service delivery and recovery outcomes. In the wake of a stroke, individuals often face daunting challenges, particularly in reestablishing mobility and reclaiming independence in their daily lives. The impact extends beyond physical limitations, encompassing mental well-being and overall quality of life. Recognizing this pressing need, researchers at UBC Okanagan have embarked on a groundbreaking journey to redefine stroke rehabilitation. Their pioneering telerehabilitation program offers a lifeline to stroke survivors, transcending geographic barriers and bringing specialized care directly into homes. Focusing on lower body mobility, this innovative approach blends cutting-edge technology with personalized support, empowering individuals to navigate their recovery journey with newfound resilience. As we delve into the transformative potential of telerehabilitation, a brighter horizon emerges for stroke survivors, heralding a future defined by hope, progress, and restored vitality.
Most common Post-Stroke recovery challenges are:
Reduced hospital stays and restricted availability of ongoing stroke rehabilitation services present substantial hurdles for lower limb recovery following a stroke. Individuals encounter difficulties with balance, stability, and gait coordination, impacting their capacity to engage in everyday tasks.
Dr. Brodie Sakakibara spearheaded a national endeavor to evaluate the feasibility of a telerehabilitation initiative tailored for lower extremity recovery following strokes. The primary objective of this endeavor is to democratize access to rehabilitation services, transcending geographical barriers by harnessing advancements in technology and clinical expertise.
A cohort of over 32 stroke survivors actively engaged in eight telerehabilitation sessions facilitated by adept physical therapists through videoconferencing platforms. The core focus of the program revolved around implementing standardized exercises and providing self-management support to bolster lower body mobility.
Remarkably, participants exhibited tangible improvements in mobility, strength, and advancements toward their rehabilitation objectives. Additionally, they acquired invaluable self-management skills, pivotal for sustaining the attained benefits beyond the confines of the program's timeframe.
The emergence of virtual rehabilitation programs heralds a promising era of heightened accessibility, particularly advantageous for individuals residing in rural or secluded locales. Nonetheless, the sustenance of therapeutic gains might necessitate continued therapy post-program.
In light of these findings, post-stroke rehabilitation interventions ought to incorporate self-management techniques as a fundamental component. Empowering participants to autonomously uphold exercise regimens and reap the benefits therein is paramount.
The integration of self-management programs into the continuum of care holds profound implications for enhancing health outcomes among stroke survivors. By facilitating individuals in adapting to their circumstances and alleviating post-discharge challenges, virtual rehabilitation initiatives, supplemented by self-management strategies, contribute significantly to elevating overall life quality during the reintegration process into the community.
Link to the original article:
Park S, Tang A, Barclay R, Bayley M, Eng JJ, Mackay-Lyons M, Pollock C, Pooyania S, Teasell R, Yao J, Sakakibara BM. Investigating the Telerehabilitation With Aims to Improve Lower Extremity Recovery Poststroke Program: A Feasibility Study. Phys Ther. 2024 Mar 1;104(3):pzad165. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzad165. PMID: 38051660.
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