Efficacy of Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients using Mobile Applications

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of disability. Rehabilitation constitutes a vital component for recovery. Frequently, there are difficulties in meeting the recommended hours of therapy. Faced with this problem, mobile applications have recently been suggested.

Objective: To identify the efficacy of mobile applications as adjuvants in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Methods: A review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The databases PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, Lilacs, IBECS, CENTRAL, SciELO and WOS were consulted. The Cochrane tool was used to assess the risk of bias and GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results: 115 studies were obtained from the total number of databases. After elimination of duplicates and application of inclusion criteria, six clinical trials remained. The total sample was 181 patients who had suffered a stroke. The duration of treatment ranged between the clinical trials between 2 and 12 weeks. All studies showed safety, tolerability and no major side effects.

Conclusions: Mobile applications are effective for the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. These game-based applications are feasible and effective in promoting limb recovery, postural control, quality of life, speech recovery, and daily activity after stroke.