The Effectiveness of Tele-rehabilitation in Improving Functional Outcomes for Stroke Patients: A Comparative Study

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in functional impairments that impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to delivering rehabilitation services to stroke patients, particularly in settings where access to traditional in-person therapy is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes for stroke patients through a comparative analysis. The research design involved a comparative study that compared the functional outcomes of stroke patients who received tele-rehabilitation with those who received traditional in-person rehabilitation. A total of 100 stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the tele-rehabilitation group or the traditional rehabilitation group. Functional outcomes were assessed using standardized measures such as the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS). The findings of the study revealed that stroke patients who received tele-rehabilitation showed comparable improvements in functional outcomes to those who received traditional in-person rehabilitation. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in activities of daily living, mobility, and quality of life measures. The tele-rehabilitation group also reported high levels of satisfaction with the convenience and flexibility of the intervention. However, the study identified some limitations, including the small sample size and the relatively short duration of the intervention. Future research should explore the long-term effects of tele-rehabilitation on functional outcomes and consider factors such as patient adherence and technological barriers. In conclusion, this comparative study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes for stroke patients. The findings suggest that tele-rehabilitation can be a viable alternative to traditional in-person rehabilitation, particularly in situations where access to healthcare services is limited. Further research and implementation of tele-rehabilitation programs are warranted to enhance the delivery of rehabilitation services to stroke patients and improve their overall quality of life.