Efficacy of Tele-CPASS, a Telerehabilitation Intervention Using Critical Periods After Stroke Study (CPASS) Compared to In-person CPASS for Upper Extremity Motor Recovery
University of Texas, El Paso
Summary
This study evaluates whether a home-based telerehabilitation program (tele-CPASS) is as effective as an in-person rehabilitation program (CPASS) for improving arm and hand function after stroke. Stroke often leads to long-term difficulty using the affected arm in daily activities, and access to in-person therapy can be limited. This study aims to determine whether therapy delivered remotely can provide similar benefits to standard in-clinic care. Participants who recently experienced a stroke will be randomly assigned to receive 20 hours of upper extremity rehabilitation therapy either in person or through a telehealth platform. Both groups will receive the same type and amount of therapy focused on practicing meaningful, patient-selected daily activities. Participants will complete assessments before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at 6 and 12 months to measure recovery of arm function, real-world arm use, and participation in daily life. The results of this study will help determine whether telerehabilitation can improve access to effective stroke recovery interventions while maintaining clinical effectiveness comparable to in-person therapy.
Description
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with a substantial proportion of survivors experiencing persistent upper extremity impairment that limits independence in daily activities. While rehabilitation can improve outcomes, access to consistent, high-dose therapy remains a major barrier, particularly in the early months after stroke when recovery potential is highest. The Critical Periods After Stroke Study (CPASS) previously demonstrated that 20 hours of intensive, task-specific upper extremity training delivered within the first six months after stroke leads to clinically meaningfu…