Comparison of Tele-Rehabilitation-Based Training and generic Home-Based Program in Enhancing Balance and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke Patients: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Patients with chronic stroke frequently have substantial deficits in their quality of life (QOL) and balance. Conventional rehabilitation techniques, such at-home workout regimens, might not offer the individualized feedback or supervision required for the best possible outcome. A viable substitute that uses technology to provide individualized training remotely is tele-rehabilitation.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation-based training versus a generic home-based exercise program in enhancing balance and quality of life in chronic stroke patients.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 42 participants aged 40-80 years, diagnosed with chronic stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to either the tele-rehabilitation group (n=21) or the control group receiving a home-based exercise program (n=21). The tele-rehabilitation group engaged in supervised sessions emphasizing core stability, balance, and strength exercises over eight weeks, while the control group performed unsupervised exercises. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess balance, and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale measured QOL at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: Both groups exhibited significant improvements in balance and QOL post-intervention. The tele-rehabilitation group showed a more significant enhancement in both outcomes compared to the home-based group, with statistical significance (p<0.05) achieved for both balance and QOL scores.

Conclusion: Tele-rehabilitation is an effective intervention for improving balance and quality of life in chronic stroke patients, providing greater engagement and tailored feedback than generic home-based programs.