Purpose: Repetitive task practice after stroke is important to improve function, yet adherence to exercise is low. The aim of this study was to determine whether using the internet, a tablet application and chair sensor, that connected to a therapist was feasible in monitoring adherence and progressing a functional exercise at home.

Methods: Ten participants with stroke completed a 4-week sit-to-stand exercise using the technology at home (ACTRN12616000051448). A therapist remotely monitored exercise adherence, progressed goals, and provided feedback via the app. Measures of feasibility (design, recruitment/withdrawals, adherence, safety, participant satisfaction and estimates of effect on function) were collected.

Results: Participants mean age was 73.6 years [SD 9.9 years]. The system was feasible to deliver and monitor exercise remotely. All participants completed the study performing a mean 125% of prescribed sessions and 104% of prescribed repetitions. Participants rated the system usability (78%), enjoyment (70%) and system benefit (80%) as high. No adverse events were reported. Mean pre and post intervention difference in the total short performance physical battery score was 1.4 (95% CI 0.79, 2.00).

Conclusions: It was feasible and safe to prescribe and monitor exercises using an app and sensor-based system. A definitive trial will determine whether such technology could facilitate greater exercise participation after stroke.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	mobile device applications, physical activity, stroke, rehabilitation, exercise therapy, adherence, technology
Research Division:	Health Sciences
Research Group:	Allied health and rehabilitation science
Research Field:	Physiotherapy
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Provision of health and support services
Objective Field:	Allied health therapies (excl. mental health services)
UTAS Author:	Simpson, DB (Ms Dawn Simpson)
UTAS Author:	Bird, M-L (Dr Marie-Louise Bird)
UTAS Author:	Gall, SL (Associate Professor Seana Gall)
UTAS Author:	Breslin, M (Dr Monique Breslin)
UTAS Author:	Schmidt, M (Mr Matthew Schmidt)
UTAS Author:	Callisaya, ML (Dr Michele Callisaya)
ID Code:	135819
Year Published:	2019
Web of Science® Times Cited:	8
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2019-11-15
Last Modified:	2021-05-05
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