| dc.description.abstract | Stroke represent a life-altering medical condition affecting millions annually, resulting in substantial physical limitations that compromise survivors’ independence. In the journey to regain functionality, rehabilitation emerges as a beacon of hope. Yet, access to quality rehabilitation is not always guaranteed, especially when obstacles like socioeconomic factors and limited medical resources stand in the way. This study introduces an innovative solution: a wearable device-assisted rehabilitation (WEAR) platform, designed to empower stroke survivors through a blend of advanced technology and conventional therapy. The investigation aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating this wearable platform into conventional rehabilitation protocols for enhancing recovery experience and outcomes among stroke survivors, making effective rehabilitation more accessible and accepted.
The WEAR platform facilitates real-time interaction between participants and rehabilitation protocols. Equipped with sensors and an application embedded in smartphones, this platform connects to a web server where medical staff can monitor and guide each step of a participant′s recovery journey. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 127 acute stroke survivors within 12 weeks post-onset for a 90-day intervention period. Participants were randomly assigned to either the wearable group (WG), combining WEAR with conventional rehabilitation, or the control group (CG), receiving only traditional rehabilitation. Primary recovery outcomes, including changes in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at day 90 (D90), along with secondary measures such as the Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure, capturing the nuanced shifts in balance and motor ability.
Our findings painted a hopeful picture: both groups showed significant recovery at D90, but the WG group surpassed expectations, demonstrating greater improvement in mRS scores. This wasn’t just a story of functional gains; it was about empowerment. Surveys using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) revealed that participants in WG felt more motivated, supported by social influence, and increasingly open to using technology in their rehabilitation. At follow-up intervals (D30 and D90), the wearable group also saw notable gains in performance expectancy and effort expectancy, suggesting that this integration of technology was not only feasible but welcomed. The cross-sectional questionnaire survey revealed significant higher scores Social Influence (SI) and Behavior Intention scores in WG than CG. Follow-up survey in WG demonstrated significantly increasing Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, and Facilitating Conditions scores and insignificantly increasing SI and BI scores at D30 and D90, respectively.
For stroke survivors, rehabilitation is a journey, often filled with challenges and uncertainties. This study suggests that the WEAR platform, as a companion to conventional therapy, could enhance the recovery experience, providing more personalized and continuous rehabilitation that adapts to various settings and participant needs. This platform not only supports functional recovery but offers a sustainable, cost-effective model of care that may help bridge the gap between rehabilitation potential and real-world accessibility, making strides toward a more inclusive approach to post-stroke recovery. | en_US |