Telerehabilitation for stroke patients in the time of covid-19

Abstract

Telerehabilitation provides an alternative way for delivering rehabilitation services without in person contact of the patient and physician. Various technologies are used for communication between therapist and patient for example, use of videos calls, voice call via telephone and internet based conferences. Virtual or augmented environments generated via computers can be used for stroke patient rehabilitation, where patient completes a task shown on computer screen. In the time of covid-19 pandemic where quarantine and isolation strategies are practiced to mitigate spread of virus, utilization of this technology will help in delivering rehabilitation services to stroke survivors in a safe manner. Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is the most common cause of mortality and a leading cause of disability across the world. Stroke survivors often face difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL) and have limitation in participating in societal activities. Thus increasing the economic cost and increasing the burden. The use of this technology for stroke survivors can improve physical and mental functions without unnecessary visits to hospitals thus reducing the risk of corona virus infection. Maintenance of social distancing provokes psychological stressors like depression and anxiety among stroke patients worsening the conditions further. Telerehabilitation can help in improving psychological health of patients.........