Best practice for arm recovery post stroke: an international application

Steven L Wolf, Gert Kwakkel, Mark Bayley, Michelle McDonnell, The Upper Extremity Stroke Algorithm Working Group, Catherine Lang, Valerie Pomeroy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)
19 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective: To develop an evidence-based application (‘app’) for post-stroke upper extremity rehabilitation that can be used globally by therapists.
Participants: Twenty-three experienced neurorehabilitation therapists, applied scientists and physicians, and 10 consultants dedicated to the provision of best practice to stroke survivors.
Design: This team evaluated the evidence to support the timely and appropriate provision of interventions and the most defensible outcome measures during a 4-year voluntary information gathering and assimilation effort, as a basis for the sequencing of an algorithm informed by the data and directed by changes in impairment and chronicity.
Outcome measures: The primary outcome was the formulation of a testable app that will be available for minimal user cost. The app is for a smartphone, and the comments of a focus group (audience at a World Confederation for Physical Therapy 2015 presentation, approximate n = 175) during a 30-minute ‘Questions and Answers’ session were assessed.
Results: Analysis of documented, extensive input offered by the audience indicated a highly favourable disposition towards this novel tool, with provision of concrete suggestions prior to launching the final version. Suggestions centred on: inclusion of instructions; visuals and demonstrations; monitoring of adverse responses; availability of updates; autonomous use by patients; and potential to characterise practice.
Conclusions: A simple, user-friendly app for decision making in the treatment of upper extremity impairments following stroke is feasible and welcomed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-4
JournalPhysiotherapy
Volume102
Issue number1
Early online date26 Sept 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2016

Keywords

  • Cerebrovascular accident
  • Upper extremity
  • Motor activity
  • Portable electronic apps
  • e-Health

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