Effectiveness of a Video-Based Therapy Program at Home After Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Redzuan NS, Engkasan JP, Mazlan M, Freddy Abdullah SJ. Effectiveness of a video-based therapy program at home after acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention using video to deliver therapy at home for patients with stroke.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingThe neurology ward and rehabilitation medicine department of a tertiary hospital.ParticipantsPatients with stroke (N=90). There were 44 patients in the intervention group and 46 patients in the control group.InterventionsThe intervention group received a combination of at-home rehabilitation guided by a digital videodisk containing therapy techniques and twice-monthly outpatient follow-up for 3 months. The conventional therapy group (control) attended weekly outpatient therapy sessions.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the modified Barthel Index (MBI) score. The secondary measures were the incidence of poststroke complications and the Caregiver Strain Index.ResultsAt 3 months, there were no significant differences with regard to the number of patients with improved MBI score, complication rate, or Caregiver Strain Index score between the 2 groups. Both groups had significant increases in the MBI score at 3 months (P<.001 for both groups). Regression analysis revealed that only stroke severity significantly influenced the MBI score (P<.001), complication rate (P<.01), and caregiver stress level (P<.05).ConclusionsVideo-based therapy at home for post–acute stroke patients is safe, does not negatively impact independence, and is not stressful for caregivers.