Stroke Tele-rehabilitation Through Ai-based Motion Capture and Exergaming

Research Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the feasibility, clinical effectiveness, and economic impact of the EvolvRehab MoveWell virtual therapy through an AI-based system and real-time feedback in community stroke rehabilitation services.

Design: The study was structured into two stages: an initial co-design phase and a feasibility clinical trial. The trial used a before-and-after 6-week longitudinal study design to assess the system’s impact.

Setting: The research was conducted across five NHS community stroke services in England, supplemented by recruitment from stroke support groups and local charities.

Participants: 55 people with chronic stroke (age = 63.5 ± 16 years) were recruited between May 2023 and February 2024, with 50 completing the outcome measures collection. 37 patients were recruited from five NHS community stroke services in England, and 18 participants were recruited from the communities, including stroke support groups and local charities. A total of 15 participants were interviewed and provided feedback.

Interventions: Participants completed a six-week virtual rehabilitation program. A certified physiotherapist assessed their performance at baseline and week 6. The system included a range of exercises and exergames designed to improve upper limb function through virtual therapy sessions.

Main Outcome Measures: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores for upper extremity motor function, Feasibility and acceptability of telerehabilitation method and participants feedback.

Results: Clinical outcome: FMA assessment result shows significant improvements in upper extremity motor function, with mean scores increasing from 22.54 (SD 6.69) at baseline to 24.78 (SD 6.78) at six weeks (p < 0.001). Feasibility: A high completion rate (91%) for outcome measure collection was achieved with an average of 17.6 ( SD 18.4) sessions, an average of repetitions executed of 1449 ( SD 2108)
and average activity time (min) of 211.2 (SD 320.9), indicating strong feasibility for future trials. Stakeholder Feedback: Interviews with patients, carers, and therapists identified both benefits, such as improved mobility and confidence, and challenges, including technical issues and setup difficulties.

Conclusions: The EvolvRehab MoveWell system shows potential for supporting stroke rehabilitation in community settings, demonstrating significant clinical improvements and high feasibility. However, further research is necessary to establish its long-term clinical and economic benefits.

Author(s) Disclosures: Researchers have no conflict of interest.