Use of mobile applications in post-stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review

Objective: Information technology and mobile devices are potentially beneficial and useful in the management of patients who have had stroke, including recognition, translation, assessment, and rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mobile applications in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. Methods: A literature search appraising the effectiveness of mobile applications in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors was performed on PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded-SCIE, and EBSCO-CINAHL from their inception until May 28th, 2017. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to eligibility criteria, evaluated study quality, and collected data from the articles included. Results: Of the 3574 articles screened, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria of the systematic review. Of these, 2 studies were randomized controlled trials and the remaining 10 were before-after studies, of which only 2 had control groups. The mobile applications encompassed 5 rehabilitation areas, 5 in physical function, 4 in language function, 2 in cognitive function, and 1 risk factor reduction. Of these 12 studies, 9 reported significant improvements in function, while in 3 studies the descriptive statistics indicated favorable changes after intervention. Conclusions: Although the use of mobile applications in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors was effective, it is clear from this systematic review that more research is needed to verify their effectiveness.