Nadine Carneiro Tura, Franciele da Silva Pereira, Bruna Fogaça, Anne Sofia Pang, Lívia Arcêncio do Amaral, Rafael Inácio Barbosa
{"title":"Efficacy of Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Telerehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Post-Covid-19 Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Nadine Carneiro Tura, Franciele da Silva Pereira, Bruna Fogaça, Anne Sofia Pang, Lívia Arcêncio do Amaral, Rafael Inácio Barbosa","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6716","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6716","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Compare the effects of physiotherapist-supervised synchronous telerehabilitation (TR) with unsupervised asynchronous TR in adults diagnosed with post-COVID syndrome (PCS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this single-blind randomized controlled trial conducted with 31 participants with PCS were randomized into a synchronous telerehabilitation (STR) group, which underwent two-hour sessions per week for eight weeks, and an asynchronous telerehabilitation (ATR) group, which performed unsupervised exercises. Lower limb functional strength (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Functional Test) as the primary outcome, and the dyspnea (Modified Medical Research Council), fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale), stress, anxiety, depression (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21), and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Questionnaire) were assessed remotely at the baseline, after 8 weeks of intervention, and at a 20-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using a mixed-model analysis of variance.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>Participants were randomized into a synchronous telerehabilitation (TRS) group, which performed two-hour sessions per week for eight weeks, and an asynchronous telerehabilitation (TRA) group, which performed the same exercise protocol but without the supervision of a physiotherapist. Instructional videos were made available via social media (WhatsApp and YouTube). Participants were also instructed to perform the protocol twice a week for eight weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A statistically significant difference was only observed in lower limb functionality between both groups (p = 0.02). The STR group demonstrated significant improvements in lower limb functional strength (p = 0.03), dyspnea (p = 0.02), fatigue (p = 0.00), stress (p = 0.03), and quality of life (p = 0.00), without any adverse events. Conversely, the ATR group experienced significant improvements in fatigue (p = 0.00) and anxiety (p = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present findings show that both modalities demonstrated positive effects over an 8-week TR program in adults with PCS. However, the synchronous approach achieved greater improvements in lower limb functionality, dyspnea, fatigue, stress, and quality of life. Our findings revealed that asynchronous model was associated with higher dropout rates and suggest synchronous TR may offer advantages regarding treatment adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 2","pages":"6716"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12726851/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elise M Verhoog, Roy P C Kessels, Luciano Fasotti, Dirk Bertens
{"title":"Design and Usability of a Digitalized Compensatory Goal Management Training for Individuals with Brain Injury: A User-Centered Approach.","authors":"Elise M Verhoog, Roy P C Kessels, Luciano Fasotti, Dirk Bertens","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6718","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although there is more evidence in neuropsychological rehabilitation for transfer of treatment effects to daily life when using compensatory strategy training, computerized programs for patients with acquired brain injury still focus on function training. Therefore, we developed Karman Line Plan, a digitalized version of an evidence-based compensatory Goal Management Training intervention for individuals with brain injury and executive function problems. Karman Line Plan consists of a digital environment (Plan Game) and a mobile application (Plan Tool). This study aims to describe the design process and evaluate the usability and acceptance of Karman Line Plan. The program was developed using a three-phase standardized user-centred design approach. Results indicate that Karman Line Plan is perceived as user-friendly and valuable by both patients and therapists. The findings emphasize the importance of involving the target patient population early in the development process to allow for early adjustments and meet end-user needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 2","pages":"6718"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12726853/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bruna Nascimento Zanfir da Silva, Camila Pinto, Caroline Santos Figueiredo, Thainara Cruz da Rosa, Katherine Lee Hsieh, Aline Souza Pagnussat
{"title":"Tele-assessment of Mobility and Balance is Reliable and Safe for Individuals with Chronic Stroke - A Guideline for a Systematic Physical Evaluation.","authors":"Bruna Nascimento Zanfir da Silva, Camila Pinto, Caroline Santos Figueiredo, Thainara Cruz da Rosa, Katherine Lee Hsieh, Aline Souza Pagnussat","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6710","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6710","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the growing use of telehealth in stroke rehabilitation, it remains unclear whether online assessments (i.e., tele-assessment) can match the accuracy of in-person evaluations. Given the high prevalence of stroke and its significant impact on mobility, precise assessment is essential. This study evaluated the reliability and safety of a tele-assessment protocol for mobility and balance in individuals with chronic stroke, using the OMPEPE guideline. Twenty-five participants underwent in-person and synchronous tele-assessment (Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit-to-Stand, and Functional Reach tests) within 24 to 48 hours. One month later, the same physiotherapist and a second investigator independently scored asynchronous video recordings. Results showed strong agreement between online and in-person assessments, with excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.90). Most participants had moderate to severe motor impairment. These findings suggest that tele-assessment is a reliable and safe approach when systematically planned, providing an effective solution for monitoring individuals with chronic stroke conditions when in-person healthcare is not feasible.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 2","pages":"6710"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12726848/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vicky Aston, Emily Eley, Dana Wong, Annie J Hill, Marcella Carragher, Miranda L Rose, Rachelle Pitt, John E Pierce
{"title":"Telerehabilitation Delivery of Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT Tele): A Pilot Feasibility Trial.","authors":"Vicky Aston, Emily Eley, Dana Wong, Annie J Hill, Marcella Carragher, Miranda L Rose, Rachelle Pitt, John E Pierce","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6727","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6727","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT) is a cost-effective group intervention for post stroke aphasia. M-MAT was recently adapted for telerehabilitation but has not yet been tested. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signs of efficacy, providing 30 hours of M-MAT Tele to three groups of three people with chronic aphasia. Participants were grouped according to aphasia severity. Clinical outcomes were assessed at three timepoints. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through a range of trial measures including recruitment, adherence, treatment fidelity and overall participant ratings. Recruitment targets were achieved, with nine participants receiving a median 24.4h of the prescribed dose. Therapy integrity and adherence were high (94%), effect sizes favoured positive clinical change, and acceptability was strong based on participant and therapist feedback. Minor protocol/software changes were recommended. This pilot study showed that M-MAT Tele was acceptable and feasible to participants and therapists, with positive preliminary outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 2","pages":"6727"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12726846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editor - Human Digital Twin in Ukraine: Converging Digital Health and Digital Education for Next-Generation Telerehabilitation.","authors":"Kyrylo S Malakhov, Dmytro V Vakulenko","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6729","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ukraine's current rehabilitation and healthcare challenges have catalyzed a national push toward scalable, AI-enabled digital health solutions. This Letter reports on a joint initiative of I.Ya. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, and the V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to operationalize the human digital twin (HDT) concept within a tele-diagnostic (TD) & artificial intelligence (AI) platform for telerehabilitation and digital education. The Letter delineates how HDTs, understood as continuously updated virtual representations of individual patients, are coupled with AI agents to support remote patient monitoring, decision-support, and personalized rehabilitation trajectories. Beyond clinical care, these HDTs function as virtual patients for simulation-based training and in-silico experimentation, enabling students, residents, and multidisciplinary teams to rehearse diagnostic and therapeutic strategies without risk to real patients. By integrating sensor-derived data, AI-driven expert systems, and web-based learning environments, the TD+AI platform exemplifies how resource-constrained settings can effectively employ HDT technologies to converge digital health and digital education. The Letter concludes by highlighting opportunities for international collaboration to co-develop, validate, and scale such HDT-centered telerehabilitation ecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 2","pages":"6729"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12726845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145828871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guilherme Grivicich da Silva, Francisco Xavier de Araùjo, André Hillebrand Andriola, Gustavo Costa Pereira, Marcelo Faria Silva
{"title":"Telerehabilitation on the Physical and Functional Capacity of Traumatic Fractures of the Upper Limbs: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Guilherme Grivicich da Silva, Francisco Xavier de Araùjo, André Hillebrand Andriola, Gustavo Costa Pereira, Marcelo Faria Silva","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6667","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6667","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traumatic injuries to the upper limbs, especially to the hands and wrists, have the potential to trigger chronic conditions with pain, loss of productivity and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the effects of telerehabilitation on the physical and functional capacity of individuals with traumatic upper limbs fractures. Searches were conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PEDRO, Cochrane, LILACS, and Science Direct databases. Three randomized clinical trials involving 830 patients with at least one intervention group and one comparison group were included in this systematic review. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro Scale and the certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Telerehabilitation seems to have favorable effects on functional capacity and pain perception and controversial effects on physical capacity (handgrip strength) in individuals with traumatic upper limb fractures.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 1","pages":"6667"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Topical Review: Clinical, Physiological, and Functional Benefits of Home-based Telerehabilitation with Occupational Therapists for Low Vision.","authors":"Rebecca L Kammer, Reilly Federici, Stasi Gormley","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6703","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6703","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>For patients with low vision, rehabilitation enables the performance of daily activities and the acquisition of skills while enhancing quality of life, despite vision loss. Access to comprehensive low vision rehabilitation services, however, is often limited. The rise of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated innovative delivery of healthcare, including telerehabilitation for low vision. This literature review was undertaken to evaluate the current evidence regarding telerehabilitation conducted by occupational therapists for patients with low vision. In this review, studies investigating the effects of new programs largely found significant improvements in outcomes. Results of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial found that reading ability significantly improved and results did not differ between therapies conducted through telerehabilitation or in-office. Additionally, studies surveying providers and patients regarding their sentiments about telehealth found that comfort level and overall satisfaction were similar between in-office visits and telerehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 1","pages":"6703"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Annie J Hill, Kirsten Stangenberg-Gliss, Yeşim Kurtais Aytür, Pamela Enderby, Claudine Auger, Ali Gamal, Carl Froilan Leochico
{"title":"Reaching a Consensus on the Definition of Telerehabilitation: World Federation of Neurorehabilitation Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group.","authors":"Annie J Hill, Kirsten Stangenberg-Gliss, Yeşim Kurtais Aytür, Pamela Enderby, Claudine Auger, Ali Gamal, Carl Froilan Leochico","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6708","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The research into and the adoption of telerehabilitation has greatly expanded over the last two decades. With this increasing level of interest in telerehabilitation there is a need for a comprehensive definition. The Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group of the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation is comprised of a diverse group of researchers from over 30 countries and so is well placed to reach a consensus on a definition of telerehabilitation and disseminate this widely. An e-Delphi approach was employed within the special interest group to reach a consensus on the definition. The agreed comprehensive definition of telerehabilitation includes a formal definition, an abbreviated version and a lay version, each with distinct purposes. A description of the scope of telerehabilitation is included, as well as an overview of the various modes of telerehabilitation. It is anticipated that this definition of telerehabilitation may assist researchers, clinicians, advocates and policy makers in a range of purposes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 1","pages":"6708"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stakeholder Perspectives on Telehealth Effectiveness, Facilitators, and Barriers for Wheelchair Service Provision: A Needs Analysis.","authors":"Rachel Taylor, Richard Schein, Corey Morrow","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6682","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6682","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mobility impairments limit access to wheelchair services, especially in rural settings. Telehealth offers one potential solution to improve access. The purpose of this paper is to describe the current perceptions of telehealth wheelchair follow-up services among a select group working in the industry. A 35-question survey was completed by 32 stakeholders in the wheelchair industry to describe their perceptions of telehealth effectiveness, facilitators, and barriers for wheelchair provision and follow-up. Telehealth was generally perceived as effective for reaching rural populations, but specific subpopulations and technology requirements should also be considered. Respondents also indicated which Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) billing codes are commonly used for wheelchair services. The results of this survey will be used to design a quality improvement project within a rural healthcare system. This project will aim to improve access to wheelchair follow-up services via telehealth that are feasible and sustainable for the local healthcare system.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 1","pages":"6682"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jing Feng, Xiao P Choong, Pui J Woi, Siaw C Chai, Tian K Quar, Jaehoon Lee, Shin Y Chu
{"title":"Speech-language Telepractice Services During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Perspectives from Parents in Malaysia.","authors":"Jing Feng, Xiao P Choong, Pui J Woi, Siaw C Chai, Tian K Quar, Jaehoon Lee, Shin Y Chu","doi":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6650","DOIUrl":"10.63144/ijt.2025.6650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explores Malaysian parents' perspectives on speech-language pathology (SLP) telepractice services during the COVID-19 lockdown. SLP services for families living in rural areas of Malaysia can be challenging, due to travel issues associated with distance, transportation costs, scheduling conflicts, and for patients with restricted physical mobility. To investigate the efficacy of SLP services in Malaysia during the COVID-19 lockdown, 70 parents' preferences and perspectives were explored via a survey of demographics, service engagement, and views on telepractice. During lockdown, 48.6% of children received in-person speech-language services, while 38.6% received telepractice or combined services. Of those receiving services, 91.2% reported benefits, but 70.4% disagreed that telepractice could replace in-person sessions. Parents reported children's attention span and rapport-building challenges with telepractice. Attitudes about telepractice varied: 14.3% positive, 60% negative, 25.7% neutral. Open-ended responses revealed that some held a preference for in-person services due to attention, communication, and technological barriers. The telepractice benefits noted were parental involvement and convenience. The findings suggest a shift toward remote therapy during the COVID-19 lockdown, with positive parental perceptions. However, doubts remain about the ability of telepractice to fully replace in-person sessions, warranting further research on therapy effectiveness and limitations.</p>","PeriodicalId":45323,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Telerehabilitation","volume":"17 1","pages":"6650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12188930/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}