IMPLEMENTATION OF A TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED PROGRAMME TO INTENSIFY UPPER LIMB REHABILITATION IN NEUROLOGICALLY IMPAIRED PARTICIPANTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the implementation of a technology-assisted programme to intensify upper limb rehabilitation after stroke and other neurological conditions in an Australian community cohort. Methods: A "Hand Hub" was established in a tertiary hospital. Intervention was delivered via individual or group sessions for a period of up to 6 weeks, in addition to the patients' regular therapy. Patients were assessed before and after the programme using validated measures. Results: A total of 92 participants completed both assessments (mean age 57 years (standard deviation 17 years), 58% male and 88% with stroke). Post-intervention, participants showed significant improvement in arm function and strength (p<0.001, effect sizes (r)=0.5-0.7), streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test score (p<0.05, r=0.2-0.4), improved muscle tone on the Modified Ashworth Scale (p<0.001, r=0.4), Functional Independence Measure (locomotion, mobility and psychosocial subscales (p<0.05, r=0.2-0.3). Quality of life (EQ-5D) and overall health also improved significantly (p<0.01 for all, r=0.3-0.6). Conclusion: The "Hand Hub" programme is feasible and showed promising results for upper limb function in persons with neurological disorders. The findings need to be further confirmed in a larger study sample, with a longer follow-up.