Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Using videoconferencing, such as Zoom, can increase access to stroke rehabilitation for individuals living in rural communities. However, physical therapists have shared concerns about not being able to work hands-on with patients when working remotely. This study looked at what therapists think about when assessing balance and walking remotely and when delivering exercises remotely to those living with stroke. People who were trained to work on the Virtual Physical Activity Seated Exercise (V-PASE) trial were surveyed about their experiences. Overall, 10 instructors (delivering seated exercises) and 9 assessors (assessed balance and walking) completed the surveys. Most assessors (88%) felt they could safely watch and assess participants balance and walking ability during assessments when using videoconferencing. However, one found it hard to judge if participants were safe during balance and walking tests and had difficulties accurately assessing leg function. Most exercise instructors (80%) felt confident that participants could safely exercise at home, especially when they asked for someone to help in-person at the participants' home. However, 60% of instructors found it difficult to get participants to a moderate exercise intensity. In summary, while remote rehabilitation can be effective and therapists feel generally confident about client safety, there are still some concerns about safe and accuracy when assessing participants movement. During exercise sessions delivered over videoconferencing, instructors found it beneficial to have someone at home to help, but were able to safely monitor exercises without someone at home.