Efficacy of Telerehabilitation in Patients with Stroke in Turkey: A Pilot Study

Esra Doğru Hüzmeli; Taşkın Duman; Hatice Yıldırım

doi:10.4274/tnd.37268

Esra Doğru Hüzmeli¹, Taşkın Duman², Hatice Yıldırım¹

¹Mustafa Kemal University, Academy of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hatay, Turkey
²Mustafa Kemal University, Tayfur Ata Sökmen Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Hatay, Turkey

Keywords: Telerehabilitation, Turkey, Stroke

Abstract

Objective: Telerehabilitation (TR) is not used very widely in our country. Our study was planned to evaluate the usefulness and effect of TR in patients with hemiplegia.

Materials and Methods: The study was performed at Mustafa Kemal University Health Practice and Research Hospital. After the demographic data were questioned, cognitive levels were assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination, balance using the Berg Balance Scale, and quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Quality of Life Scale. A TR program was performed for 3 weeks with 3 sessions per week, a total of 9 sessions. After the therapy program was planned, TR was applied by contacting the patients via laptops with a camera and microphone and an internet connection. The first and last assessments were done at the clinic.

Results: According to the results of the study, the balance levels of patients significantly improved after the TR program (p=0.026). There was no difference in terms of quality of life and mental status before and after TR (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that TR could improve the functionality of patients with stroke and routine use of TR would be beneficial. However, our country’s technological equipment for TR application has been found not sufficient in the countryside.