Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Rehabilitation Sciencesen_US
dc.contributor.advisorFong, Kenneth (RS)en_US
dc.creatorToh, Fong Mei-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13255-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleApplication of wearable technology in upper limb stroke rehabilitation in the home settingen_US
dcterms.abstractStroke is a leading cause of disability, significantly affecting surivivors’ quality of life. Research indicates that over 20 hours of task specific training per month is essential for optimal UL recovery post-stroke. Self-directed UL rehabilitation at home provides a viable option for intensive practice especially given the constrained health services. Wearable technology, which provides augmented feedback and enables remote monitoring, holds promise for home-based UL rehabilitation. However, its effectiveness in rehabilitating the hemiparetic UL in home settings remains unclear.en_US
dcterms.abstractThis thesis introduces a new telerehabilitation approach using the “Smart Reminder” (SR) wearable device, an evolution of the “Remind to move” device specifically designed for home-based training for stroke individuals, with two additional features. The SR device includes a gyroscope to track the range of motion of the hemiparetic arm and integrates with a smartphone application. The thesis aims to generate knowledge and evidence on the effects of telerehabilitation using the SR device for home-based self-directed UL training in stroke survivors.en_US
dcterms.abstractFive studies were conducted to achieve the thesis's aims. Two literature reviews (Studies 1 and 2) laided the theoretical groundwork. Study 1 (Chapter 2) is a systematic review and meta-analysis that found home-based UL interventions more effective than clinic-based therapies and identified critical factors for implementing technology-based interventions at home. Study 2 (Chapter 3) is a scoping review that identified three key considerations for designing wearable devices: using a smartphone as a visual display, implementing a fading feedback schedule, and ensuring an interactive interface.en_US
dcterms.abstractBuilding on these reviews, three empirical studies (Studies 3, 4, and 5) were conducted. Study 3 (Chapter 4), a mixed-methods usability study, evaluated user perspectives and factors influencing the use of the SR device. The study confirmed the device's usability [system usability scale: 84.3 (12.3)] and demonstrated a high therapy adherence rate (91%) among local stroke survivors. Qualitative results from Study 3 identified four primary considerations for wearable-based intervention: wearability, user interface, system performance, and exercise content, which were applied in Study 5.en_US
dcterms.abstractTwo clinical trials (Studies 4 and 5) investigated the clinical effects of SR in improving the hemiplegic UL outcomes of the stroke survivors. Study 4 (Chapter 5 in the thesis), a feasibility pilot randomized crossover trial (n=12), suggested that a 4-week telerehabilitation program using the SR improved the hemiplegic UL function and demonstrated its feasibility for home use. Study 5 (Chapter 6 in the thesis), a randomized controlled trial (n=40), compared the telerehabilitation training using the SR device with conventional training using a sham device. The SR group showed significant improvements in Fugl Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scores (p=0.036) and higher adherence rates (97% vs. 82.3%, p=0.038). Subgroup analysis revealed that participants with severe paresis experienced a notable improvement with SR intervention, in the FMA-UE scores (mean difference: 3.38, p=0.008) compared to the sham group.en_US
dcterms.abstractIn summary, this thesis advances the understanding of the wearable technology in stroke rehabilitation and confirmed the efficacy of the telerehabilitation using SR wearable in improving the motor outcomes of the hemiplegic UL in persons with stroke.en_US
dcterms.extentxxi, 308 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2024en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelPh.D.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHCerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Rehabilitationen_US
dcterms.LCSHCerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Home careen_US
dcterms.LCSHWearable technologyen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsopen accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
7705.pdfFor All Users5.18 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13255