Development of a Tele-rehabilitation Platform for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery

Thesis Abstract

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term motor disability worldwide, with traditional rehabilitation approaches often limited by accessibility, resource constraints, and patient adherence. In response to these challenges, the development of digital health solutions such as tele-rehabilitation platforms presents a promising avenue to enhance post-stroke motor recovery by facilitating remote monitoring, personalized interventions, and continuous engagement. This study aims to develop, validate, and evaluate a comprehensive tele-rehabilitation platform tailored for post-stroke motor rehabilitation, with the specific objectives of designing an interactive user interface, integrating evidence-based therapeutic protocols, and assessing the platform’s effectiveness in improving motor outcomes. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study combines qualitative development processes with quantitative evaluation. The population includes 60 post-stroke patients within six months of stroke onset, recruited from a neurorehabilitation center, and 15 therapists involved in stroke rehabilitation. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select participants, ensuring a representative sample across age, gender, and severity levels. Data collection instruments consist of semi-structured interviews with therapists to inform platform design, standardized motor assessment scales such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Motor Activity Log (MAL) for pre- and post-intervention measurement, and usability questionnaires derived from the System Usability Scale (SUS). The platform's technical development adhered to agile principles, incorporating user-centered design theories, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), to guide interface design and adoption strategies. Data analysis encompasses thematic analysis of qualitative inputs to refine platform features, while quantitative data from motor assessments will be analyzed using paired t-tests to evaluate improvements, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of rehabilitation success. Usability data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests to determine the platform’s acceptability among users. The study anticipates that the tele-rehabilitation platform will demonstrate significant improvements in motor function (p < 0.01) post-intervention, alongside high usability scores (mean SUS score ? 70), indicating feasibility and acceptability. Furthermore, the platform is expected to facilitate increased therapy adherence and motivation, rooted in self-efficacy theories such as Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a scalable, user-centered tele-rehabilitation solution that leverages ICT to address critical barriers in post-stroke care. It advances theoretical understanding of technology acceptance in neurorehabilitation contexts and empirically evaluates the impact of digital interventions on motor recovery, filling notable gaps identified in prior literature regarding usability, adherence, and outcome measurement. In conclusion, the developed platform has the potential to transform post-stroke rehabilitation practices, promoting greater accessibility, customization, and engagement among patients and clinicians. Recommendations include wider implementation in diverse clinical settings, integration with existing health information systems, and future research exploring long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and integration with emerging technologies such as wearable sensors and artificial intelligence. This study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches combining clinical expertise, user-centered design, and technological innovation to optimize rehabilitation outcomes and enhance quality of life for stroke survivors.