Page 63 - JCTR-11-3

Journal of Clinical and
Translational Research Telerehabilitation after stroke

such education, offering real-time visual demonstrations socioeconomic status or technological proficiency, will be
of exercises and techniques that caregivers can then key to maximizing its impact.
implement, leading to better overall management of stroke Lastly, the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in
recovery at home. implementing video-based rehabilitation should not be
Despite the promising results, some limitations need overlooked. Stroke recovery is complex and often requires
to be addressed in future research. One of the major the expertise of various healthcare professionals, including
concerns is the variability in the intensity and duration physiatrists, neurologists, physical therapists, and
of the interventions across studies, which could influence occupational therapists. Video-based interventions could
the outcomes. While some studies employed short-term be most effective when they are part of a comprehensive
interventions, others used longer rehabilitation periods, rehabilitation plan that incorporates input from multiple
making direct comparisons difficult. The optimal duration disciplines. Collaborative care ensures that stroke
and intensity of video-based rehabilitation programs survivors receive holistic treatment, addressing not only
remain unclear, and future studies should focus on physical function but also cognitive, emotional, and social
determining the most effective parameters for these aspects of recovery. Future research should focus on the
interventions. In addition, the role of patient engagement, development of integrated care models that combine
including factors such as motivation and self-monitoring, video interventions with in-person therapy, leveraging
warrants further exploration. Personalized feedback, as the strengths of both approaches to optimize recovery and
noted in some studies, may enhance engagement, but its improve patient outcomes.
impact on long-term adherence and outcomes requires Incorporating video-guided exercises into physical
more comprehensive analysis. therapy programs for stroke survivors has the potential to
Another challenge highlighted by this review is the significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes, particularly
lack of long-term follow-up in most studies. While short- when integrated with traditional in-person physical
term improvements in motor function and daily living therapy sessions. Video-based exercises can complement
activities are promising, it remains uncertain whether these in-person sessions by providing stroke patients with
these benefits are sustained over time. Long-term continuous access to therapeutic content outside the clinic,
follow-up is essential to determine the durability of the helping them maintain consistency in their rehabilitation.
rehabilitation effects and to assess whether video-based The use of videos as a supplement to physical therapy
interventions can contribute to sustained improvements could also allow therapists to track patients’ performance
in quality of life and independence for stroke survivors. remotely, offering feedback and adjustments as necessary,
Moreover, future studies should include a broader range of which may help patients stay motivated and adhere to
outcome measures that capture not only physical function their rehabilitation plans. The application of video-guided
but also psychological and social outcomes, which are exercises in stroke rehabilitation is not limited to the home
equally important for overall recovery. Understanding setting alone. Healthcare facilities, including outpatient
how video-based rehabilitation influences these domains clinics, rehabilitation centers, and even community health
will provide a more comprehensive view of its potential programs, can also benefit from integrating this technology
benefits. into their rehabilitation practices.
Another critical aspect that warrants further attention Another significant advantage of video-guided
is the accessibility and technological requirements for exercise programs is their potential for application in
video-based rehabilitation interventions. While video- remote or underserved areas, where access to skilled
guided exercises can enhance the flexibility and reach healthcare professionals may be limited. Patients in
of rehabilitation programs, they may not be universally rural or remote locations can receive high-quality,
accessible to all stroke survivors. Issues such as internet evidence-based rehabilitation from the comfort of
connectivity, access to suitable devices (e.g., smartphones, their own homes, without the need for frequent travel.
tablets, or computers), and technological literacy can limit Furthermore, healthcare providers in these areas can use
the effectiveness of such interventions, particularly in low- video programs to remotely monitor patients’ progress,
resource settings or for older adults with limited digital providing virtual feedback and adjustments to the
skills. Future studies should explore how to overcome exercise routines, thus ensuring continuous support and
these barriers, potentially through partnerships with optimizing outcomes.
community health organizations or the development The main limitation of this study was the small number of
of low-cost solutions. Ensuring that video-based articles included that addressed the research question. This
rehabilitation is accessible to all individuals, regardless of can be explained by the restriction of including only RCTs

Volume 11 Issue 3 (2025) 57 doi: 10.36922/jctr.8360