OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of home-based robot-assisted rehabilitation coupled with a home exercise program compared with a home exercise program alone on depression and quality of life in people after stroke. METHOD. A multisite randomized controlled clinical trial was completed with 99 people <6 mo after stroke who had limited access to formal therapy. Participants were randomized into one of two groups, (1) a home exercise program or (2) a robot-assisted therapy + home exercise program, and participated in an 8-wk home intervention. RESULTS. We observed statistically significant changes in all but one domain on the Stroke Impact Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for both groups. CONCLUSION. A robot-assisted intervention coupled with a home exercise program and a home exercise program alone administered using a telerehabilitation model may be valuable approaches to improving quality of life and depression in people after stroke.

Background Geographical location, socioeconomic status and logistics surrounding transportation impede access of post-stroke individuals to comprehensive rehabilitative services. Robotic therapy may enhance telerehabilitation by delivering consistent and state-of-the art therapy while allowing for the remote monitoring and adjusting therapy for underserved populations. The Hand Mentor Pro (HMP), was incorporated within a home exercise program (HEP) to improve upper extremity functional capabilities post-stroke. Objective To determine the efficacy of a home-based telemonitored robotic-assisted therapy as part of a HEP compared with a dose-matched HEP-only intervention among individuals less than 6 months post-stroke and characterized as underserved. Methods In this prospective, single-blinded, multisite, randomized controlled trial, 99 hemiparetic participants with limited access to upper extremity rehabilitation were randomized to the: 1) experimental group which received combined HEP and HMP for 3 hrs/day x 5 days x 8 weeks; or 2) control group which received HEP only at an identical dosage. Weekly communication between the supervising therapist and participant promoted compliance and progression of the HEP and HMP prescription. The Action Research Arm Test and Wolf Motor Function Test along with the Fugl Meyer Assessment (upper extremity) were primary and secondary outcome measures respectively, undertaken before and after the interventions. Results Both groups demonstrated improvement across all upper extremity outcomes. Conclusions Robotic+HEP and HEP only were both effectively delivered remotely. There was no difference between groups in change in motor function over time, additional research is necessary to determine appropriate dosage of HMP and HEP.

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The hardware within the tablet provides data of sufficient accuracy for the quantification of postural stability in patients with Parkinson's disease. The objectivity, portability, and ease of use of this device make it ideal for use in clinical environments lacking sophisticated biomechanical systems.