A comparison of Home Exercise Programs supported by video and automated reminders with standard paper-based Home Exercise Programs on adherence and functional outcomes in stroke patients

This study aimed to find out whether stroke patients receiving home exercise programs in an outpatient rehabilitation setting using video and reminder functions had greater adherence to prescribed home exercise programs and better functional outcomes when compared to traditional paper based exercise prescription. Sixty two patients with stroke with upper limb deficits were randomly assigned to the control (paper based home exercise program) or intervention group (home exercise program filmed on an electronic tablet, with a reminder set using the alarm function). Both groups completed their prescribed home exercise program for four weeks. There were no differences between the groups for measures of adherence, function or satisfaction. The use of smart technology was not superior to standard paper-based home exercise programs for patients recovering from stroke.