Teleneurorehabilitation for the Continuity of Care Post-stroke: a Multicentric Pilot Study

Quality of life will be measured by the Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), a questionnaire comprising 36 questions that cover 8 domains of health. Each of the 8 summed scores is linearly transformed onto a scale from 0 (negative health) to 100 (positive health) to provide a score for each domain. Each domain can be used independently.

Quality of life will be measured by the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), a questionnaire measuring 5 dimensions described by 3 possible levels of problems (i.e., none, mild-to-moderate, severe). Respondent's answers are translated into a preference-based score, yielding an index score based on a scale from 0.000 (death) to 1.000 (perfect health). The 5 dimensions can be converted to a single utility value (EQ-Index score).

Change in motor functions will be assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), a stroke-specific scale which assesses the motor functioning in patients with post-stroke. There are 3 values for each of the 5 domain: 0 (severe impairment), 1 (moderate impairment), 2 (preserved function). The 5 domains assessed include: motor function (upper limb maximum score = 66; lower limb maximum score = 34), sensory function (maximum score = 24), balance (maximum score = 14), joint range of motion (maximum score = 44), joint pain (maximum score = 44), for an overall maximum score of 226 points.

Assessed with the Nine hole pegboard test (NHPT), to measure finger dexterity. It is administered by asking the participant to take the pegs from a container, one by one, and place them into holes on the board as quickly as possible. Scores are based on the time taken to complete the activity, recorded in seconds.

Assessed with the Box and block test (BBT). The patient has to carry as much cubes as possible, one by one, from a container to another one in one minute. The test is performed with both hands.

Assessed with the Ashworth Spasticity Scale. The therapist evaluates the spasticity of the muscles. There are 5 values: 0 (no increase in muscle tone), 1 (slight increase in muscle tone), 2 (more marked increase in muscle tone), 3 (considerable increase in muscle tone), 4 (affected part rigid in flexion or extension).

Aachen Aphasie Test (AAT)

Assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a cognitive screening tool comprising 16 items and 11 categories to assess multiple cognitive domains. The total possible score is 30, corresponding to a good performance.

Assessed with the Bells test, a cancellation test that allows for a quantitative and qualitative assessment of visual neglect in the near extra personal space. The total number of cancelled bells is recorded as well as the time taken to complete. The maximum score is 35.

Assessed with the verbal fluency test. Participants have to produce as many words as possible from a semantic and a phonemic category in 1 minute.

Assessed with the Barthel Index (BI). It comprises 10 ADL/mobility activities, items are rated based on the amount of assistance required to complete each activity. Each item score ranges from 0 (dependent) to 10 (independent).

Assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Items are on a four-point scale that ranges from 0 to 3. Ratings are summed to provide a total score ranging from 0-63. Scores >10 generally meet the threshold for a diagnosis of depression.

Assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). It comprises 22 items with a score ranging from 0 ("never" to 4 ("nearly always"). Total scores are obrained by summing all items endorsed.

Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, it consists of a 6 item questionnaire with five response options: from 0 to 4, where 0 reflects a negative response and 4 reflects a positive response.