Effect of telerehabilitation on motor and functional outcomes in people with spinal cord injuries – a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

To summarise the evidence on telerehabilitation for improving motor and functional outcomes in people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched to identify the eligible studies from October to December 2021. Randomised control trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and case-control studies were included if they delivered exercises/rehabilitation through synchronous and asynchronous mode of telerehabilitation.. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs and ROBINS-I tool for non-RCTs. The included studies were qualitatively synthesised and tabulated to present study characteristics.

Result

Four articles (190 participants) were included in the present review. Three studies reported significant improvement in motor outcome measures such as Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) II, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), ReJoyce Automated Hand Function Test (RAHFT), pinch and grip forces and isometric muscle strength of shoulder muscles. One study reported no difference between the control and experimental groups for the motor outcomes measured using 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 6-Minute Push Test.

Conclusion

Telerehabilitation was found to improve motor and functional outcomes in people with SCI and can be considered as a feasible treatment option in rehabilitation after SCI. Prospero registration: CRD42022349245

Keywords:

• Telerehabilitation
• telehealth
• spinal cord injury
• motor outcomes
• physical rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

This is a systematic review therefore no data set are associated with the paper

Additional information

Funding

This research was not supported by any funding agencies or grant awarding bodies.