Intensive upper limb stroke rehabilitation
Parson, J, Ellery, B, Merlin, T
Record ID 32018000697
English
Authors' results and conclusions:
Evidence for the effectiveness of the ableX and other video games for rehabilitation therapy after stroke is limited. The research is limited to very small studies and few with rigorous designs. One small study looked at the precursor to the ableX technology and found it to have a small benefit on one measure of upper limb motor performance. This was not replicated using other measures of function. Gaming systems in general have been evaluated in two recent systematic reviews of level II evidence (and lower) which found limited evidence for their effectiveness in the included small studies, but did find that the technology to be enjoyable, acceptable and affordable. As such, it may improve compliance with therapy, although this was not measured. However, it is designed to be part of rehabilitation therapy, to complement and supplement existing treatments, rather than as a treatment in its own right. As this technology can be used in the patient's home and at their convenience, it has potential for widespread use, particularly among those who find it difficult to access conventional rehabilitation services. There is also potential for the technology to be used in a broader patient range, including patients with other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
Authors' recommendations:
Although this technology has the potential to assist and benefit stroke patients who have difficulty accessing conventional rehabilitation services, there is limited evidence available to support its widespread introduction. As the technology is currently widely available for purchase it is expected to disseminate through hospital in the home or rehabilitation services, therefore HealthPACT recommended that no further research on their behalf is warranted at this time.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2014
URL for published report:
Not Available
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Australia
MeSH Terms
- Stroke
- Rehabilitation
- Upper Extremity
- Exercise Therapy
- Recovery of Function
- Physical Therapy Modalities
Contact
Organisation Name:
Adelaide Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address:
School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617
Contact Name:
ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Contact Email:
ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Copyright:
Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.