The clinical effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation interventions on balance and activities of daily living in post-stroke survivors: an umbrella review of systematic reviews

Purpose: The clinical effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation (TR) for improving motor function and activities of daily living (ADLs) has been regularly debated in post-stroke survivors. The objective was to harmonize the current evidence-base by performing an umbrella review. Materials and methods: Randomized controlled trials examining the impact of exercise-based TR interventions in people following stroke were interrogated. We assessed the individual quality of the systematic reviews by applying the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 checklist (AMSTAR-2). Results: Evidence from six (for balance) to seven (ADLs) high quality systematic reviews with meta-analyses indicated that TR was effective for improving balance (n = 443; SMD = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.52–1.91; eOR = 9.08, 95% CI: 2.57–32.7), and ADLs (n = 1342; SMD = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.06–0.54; eOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.12–2.66), compared to usual-care controls. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the positive impact of TR interventions, supporting their adoption as a front-line post-stroke rehabilitation strategy. Benefits of improved balance may reduce falls risk leading to increased safety and independence. Enhanced ability to perform ADLs contribute to better quality of life, allowing stroke survivors to perform daily tasks more easily and confidently.