SmartRehab: Enhancing Stroke Recovery through Automated Telerehabilitation (P7-14.011)

Abstract

Objective: We tested the SmartRehab efficacy, usability, and feasibility for stroke rehabilitation across seven countries. Background: Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide. Timely and personalized rehabilitation is critical for recovery, yet current methods are limited by medical shortages, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and insurance constraints. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising solution to address these gaps. The SmartRehab app, developed to tackle these issues, uses an Artificial Intelligence powered, computer vision-based pose estimation algorithm to track patient movements, providing precise performance assessment, immediate feedback, and tailored adjustments. The app operates autonomously, allowing patients to complete sessions without a physical therapist (PT) being present, while a single PT can remotely track progress and monitor dozens of patients offline at their convenience. Design/Methods: This ongoing prospective single-arm international multicenter study spans four continents, testing SmartRehab's feasibility and efficacy for post-stroke motor disability. Participants enrolled receive a 4-week automated telerehabilitation program, prescribed by PTs using the SmartRehab platform. Motor improvements are assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) for upper and lower extremities. Usability and satisfaction are measured using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ). Results: This ongoing multicenter study has enrolled 30 subjects to date, with 15 stroke survivors completing telerehabilitation (mean age 57.6±16.97; 75% male). Preliminary analysis of patients with complete FMA (n=11) revealed a statistically significant improvement in upper extremity motor function (mean change [Baseline-Follow-up: −10.8±6.8; p<0.001]) and a trend toward improvement in lower extremities (mean change: −4.571±4.9; p=0.052). Usability feedback showed high ratings on TUQ (1-poor,7-great, mean 5.87±1.1). Therapists reported high satisfaction, ease of use, and benefits for patients, while adherence rates varied across countries (19%–95%, average 48%), with lower compliance linked to technology challenges Conclusions: SmartRehab is a feasible and effective telerehabilitation platform for stroke recovery, with high user satisfaction. Significant motor function improvements were observed. Addressing technological barriers may enhance adherence and outcome