Supporting client-centred task-oriented training by using low-cost motion detection technology adapted for use in neurological rehabilitation.

Abstract

Introduction: Client-centred rehabilitation is important in people with central nervous system diseases (PwCNS) to regain or maintain functional ability in activities of daily life (ADL). In practice, rehabilitation services struggle to provide the optimal rehabilitation time of 6 hours per day. As technology increases the patient’s motivation and adherence to therapy, the use of rehabilitation technology might increase rehabilitation time without decreasing the quality of therapy. Objectives: To investigate the effect of an additional technology-based client-centred training on functional performance and ADL in PwCNS. Method: A single-blinded randomised controlled trial was performed in PwCNS in 4 Belgian rehabilitation centres. The control group received conventional care. The intervention group received conventional care and additional training with a technology-based system during 6 weeks, 3x/week, 45min/session. Assessments were performed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of training, and at 6-weeks follow-up. Primary outcome measures were Wolf Motor Function Test, Manual Ability Measure-36 (MAM-36) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Results: A total of 45 PwCNS (age 59.07 ± 16.42) participated. Both control and intervention group improved over time in all primary outcome measures. Improvement was mainly found during the 6 week training period. Significant differences between groups was found regarding MAM-36 during training period, in favour of intervention group, and 6 weeks follow-up period, benefitting the control group. Compliance to the intervention was 97.92% and no adverse effects of the intervention were reported.

Conclusion: The additional training with an adapted technology-based system supports conventional care and can be used to increase therapy time.