“FIND Technology”: investigating the feasibility, efficacy and safety of controller-free interactive digital rehabilitation technology in an inpatient stroke population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

You will have to have your doctor follow this to see what the conclusions are.

“FIND Technology”: investigating the feasibility, efficacy and safety of controller-free interactive digital rehabilitation technology in an inpatient stroke population: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

• M. L. BirdEmail author,
• J. Cannell,
• M. L. Callisaya,
• E. Moles,
• A. Rathjen,
• K. Lane,
• A. Tyson and
• S. Smith

Trials201617:203

DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1318-0

©  Bird et al. 2016

Received: 3 February 2016

Accepted: 15 March 2016

Published: 16 April 2016

Open Peer Review reports

Abstract

Background

Stroke results in significant disability, which can be reduced by physical rehabilitation.(Notice no mention of doctor interventions to reduce disability) High levels of repetition and activity are required in rehabilitation, but patients are typically sedentary. Using clinically relevant and fun computer games may be one way to achieve increased activity in rehabilitation.

Methods/design

A single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of novel stroke-specific rehabilitation software. This software uses controller-free client interaction and inertial motion sensors. Elements of feasibility include recruitment into the trial, ongoing participation (adherence and dropout), perceived benefit, enjoyment and ease of use of the games. Efficacy will be determined by measuring activity and using upper-limb tasks as well as measures of balance and mobility. The hypothesis that the intervention group will have increased levels of physical activity within rehabilitation and improved physical outcomes compared with the control group will be tested.

Discussion

Results from this study will provide a basis for discussion of feasibility of this interactive video technological solution in an inpatient situation. Differences in activity levels between groups will be the primary measure of efficacy. It will also provide data on measures of upper-limb function, balance and mobility.

Trial registration

ACTRN12614000427​673. Prospectively registered 17 April 2014.

Background

In the US alone, one person per minute has a stroke, and although death rates have declined over the last decade, the burden of disease remains high [13]. Physical rehabilitation has the potential to positively impact functional outcomes and improve this burden; however, this requires a high dose of therapy. A significant factor limiting rehabilitation outcomes is low levels of patient activity [10]. Observational studies in different countries have found that patients after stroke in rehabilitation are surprisingly inactive for the vast majority of the waking day. For example, only 13 % of a stroke unit patient’s day is typically spent in activities related to functional outcome,(precisely what action observation should be used for to fill that time) such as active therapy or walking practice [2]. Many rehabilitation activities, aimed at stimulating neuroplasticity, are by their very nature repetitive and tend to be tedious [19]. One method by which engagement with rehabilitation programs and levels of activity could be improved involves the use of fun and engaging video games.