Remote Upper Limb group intervention post stroke increases intensity and improves wellbeing

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Increasing the intensity for upper limb rehabilitation post stroke has been emphasized in research and evidence. COVID-19 limitations with face-to-face therapy, have increased the opportunities to consider remote rehabilitation to provide the intensity needed. The aim of the group is to provide a goal based, structured exercise programme for upper limb among stroke survivors. Method(s) The Remote Upper Limb group has started to be part of the service that CST provides since 2020. The group consists of a warm-up, exercises using activity station, and functional exercises where we use items available at patients' home. The exercises are designed to address these areas shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist fingers, activities, and functional activities. The group also provides education session for the upper limb including pain, sensory deficits, specificity, subluxation, oedema and, learned non-use. Standardised outcome measures are taken at the beginning and the end of the group and used to measure progression and improvement. Result(s) The remote upper limb group intervention has emerged as a promising intervention to increase intensity and achieve patients' outcomes. The outcome measures have shown clinically significant improvement in patients' physical outcomes and their wellbeing. The patients report opportunities for peer support as their main benefit. Conclusion(s) The remote upper limb group is an intervention that increases patients' intensity and improves well-being in a costly effective way for both therapists and stroke survivors.