ABSTRACT

Background: Prosthetic use and service delivery following a stroke do not tend to be as individualized as they should be to correlate with patients’ diverse recovery patterns. Molecular biomarker assessment combined with telemedicine looks promising and can be an innovative approach to the optimization of the rehabilitation process. Objective: To purpose of this research is the assessment of the effectiveness of the three-month telemedicine-based rehabilitation programme including the monitoring of molecular biomarkers of stroke survivors in improving functional and quality-of-life indicators. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 100 stroke patients were allocated to two groups: the experimental group that received specific rehabilitation through using of telemedicine and molecular biomarkers and the comparison group that received conventional rehabilitation. Blood molecular biomarkers associated with neuroplasticity (BDNF), inflammation(IL-6,) and muscle injury/repair(CK) were assessed before the training intervention at 6 weeks and at 12 weeks. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group had a higher functional independence and motor function recovery indicated by Modified Rankin Scale and Fugl Meyer Motor score as well as better balance and quality of life (p < 0.05). Aerobic exercise thus promotes marked shifts in biomarkers of neuroplasticity and muscle repair from molecular pathways involving BDNF and CK, and inflammation from IL-6. Conclusion: Such errors make it difficult for a patient to have personal rehabilitation in hospital and hence Telemedicine coupled with biomarker monitoring enables an improved recovery in stroke patients. This dynamic concept holds early potential for increasing the effectiveness of rehabilitation and potentially improving post-stroke quality of life.