A scoping review of the benefits and challenges of mHealth for clinical decision-making in neuro-physiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have emerged as promising tools in the field of neuro-physiotherapy, offering innovative solutions for enhancing clinical decision-making processes. This scoping review explores the existing literature on the use of mHealth applications in neuro-physiotherapy with a specific focus on their impact on clinical decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were comprehensively searched for both qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed articles written in the English language and published till 2023 that focus on mHealth applications in neuro-physiotherapy and clinical decision-making. RESULTS: The key findings from the 14 included studies highlighted the diverse array of mHealth applications employed in neuro-physiotherapy, ranging from wearable sensors and mobile apps to virtual reality platforms. Synthesis of the evidence from these studies demonstrated the potential of these technologies in clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes, patients' and therapists' perspectives of these applications, their clinical clues, and the challenges with their use. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the review underscore the need for continued exploration of these technologies to optimize their effectiveness in rehabilitation settings and ultimately improve clinical decision-making and patient care in neuro-physiotherapy.

Survey of the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of post-stroke fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common condition among stroke survivors. However, evidence supporting the effective clinical management of PSF is insufficient. Our objectives were to examine the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of PSF and evaluate their clinical knowledge and confidence in managing PSF. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey of the sociodemographic profiles of participating physiotherapists, their current clinical practices, clinical knowledge, confidence in their clinical management of PSF, and the types and intensity of the exercises used in the management of PSF. RESULTS: A total of 160 physiotherapists completed the survey: 86 (53.8%) were women, 148 (92.5%) were Saudi nationals, 126 (78.7%) were employed by the Ministry of Health, and 34 (21.3%) worked in the private sector. The majority (60%) of physiotherapists did not routinely assess their patients for the presence of fatigue. Likewise, 93 (58.1%) did not provide any PSF-related educational material to their patients; however, 67 (41.9%) did provide these materials. The preferred exercises of the physiotherapists for their patients were bed and chair exercises (59.5%), followed by functional training (51.4%), and resistance training (23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that while physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia have a sound theoretical understanding of PSF management, their knowledge does not necessarily translate into practice. Interventions used to treat PSF include bed and chair exercises, functional training, and resistance training.