| Objective: To investigate the effect of telerehabilitation system on upper extremity function of discharged stroke patients. Methods: Thirty-eight discharged stroke patients were randomly assigned into experiment group (n=19) and control group (n=19), respectively receiving telerehabilitation program and routine family rehabilitation program for 4 weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Upper Extremity Functional Test (UEFT) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The families of patients were evaluated with Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI) before discharge, after 4 weeks of treatment (after treatment) and during the follow-up period. Results: There was significant difference in time effect and interaction effect of FMA UE and UEFT scores in both groups (P<0.05). And time effect of MBI and ZBI scores in both groups also had statistically significant difference (P<0.05). FMA-UE, UEFT and MBI scores of patients in two groups were continuously increased (all P<0.05), and ZBI scores were continuously decreased (both P<0.05). FMA-UE scores in the experiment group were improved as comperde with those in the control group after treatment and during the follow-up period (both P<0.05), and UEFT scores in the experiment group were improved as comperde with those in the control group during the follow-up period (P<0.05). Conclusion: The telerehabilitation system can effectively improve the upper extremity function of discharged stroke patients. |
