Outcome Measures in Tele-Rehabilitation and Virtual Reality for Stroke Survivors: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Abstract

Despite the increased interest about tele-rehabilitation, virtual reality and outcome measures for stroke rehabilitation, surprisingly little research has been done to map and summarize the most common outcome measures used in tele-rehabilitation. For this review, we propose to conduct a systematic search of the literature that reports outcome measures used in tele-rehabilitation or virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation. Specific objectives include: 1) to identify the outcome measures used in tele-rehabilitation studies; 2) to describe the psychometric properties of the outcome measures in the included studies; 3) to describe which parts of the International Classification of Functioning are measured in the studies. Methods: we will conduct a comprehensive search of relevant electronic databases (e.g., PUBMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, PSYCOINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial and PEDRO). The scoping review will include all study designs. Two reviewers will pilot-test the data extraction forms and will independently screen all the studies and extract the data. Disagreements about inclusion or exclusion will be resolved by consensus or by consulting a third reviewer. The results will be synthesized and reported considering the implications of the findings within the clinical practice and policy context. Dissemination: we anticipate that this scoping review will contribute to inform researchers and end-users (ie, clinicians and policy-makers), regarding the most appropriate outcome measures for tele-rehabilitation or virtual reality as well as help to identify gaps in current measures. Results will be disseminated through reports and open access journals, conference presentations, as well as newsletters, podcasts and meetings targeting all the relevant stakeholders.

Serious Games for Stroke Telerehabilitation of Upper Limb - A Review for Future Research

“…Yet, there is no consensus on what measures to employ to facilitate comparisons across interventions. Many different range of outcome measures have been used ( Veras et al, 2015 ; Veras et al, 2017 ). The focus is often the functionality of the upper limb, balance, and postural control.…”

Teleneurorehabilitation program (virtual reality) for patients with balance disorders: descriptive study

“…Although the gamification of balance exercises in clusters has no evidence, the studies do not necessarily detail the logic and dosage of training, so it is believed that it is necessary to deepen the analysis of the training provided in order to understand the mechanisms involved in the recovery of balance [ 40 ]. Finally, the proposal of a protocol allows to systematize clinical care, measure the effect in terms of quality, efficiency, and determine the clinical conduct to follow [ 31 ].…”

“…Regarding high adherence, the evidence suggests [15,17,20,[25][26][27][28][29][31][32][33][34] that it is related to the following factors: practicing a relatively simple, low-cost program, exercising at least twice a week, with monitoring and assessment at least once monthly. In addition, it can provide a useful motivational strategy.…”

“…With two phases the implementation. The study protocol is performed in accordance with the relevant suggestions [15,17,20,[25][26][27][28][29][31][32][33][34].…”