Tele-assessment of Mobility and Balance is Reliable and Safe for Individuals with Chronic Stroke – A Guideline for a Systematic Physical Evaluation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63144/ijt.2025.6710

Keywords:

Neurological rehabilitation, Stroke, Telehealth, Telemonitoring, Telerehabilitation

Abstract

Despite the growing use of telehealth in stroke rehabilitation, it remains unclear whether online assessments (i.e., tele-assessment) can match the accuracy of in-person evaluations. Given the high prevalence of stroke and its significant impact on mobility, precise assessment is essential. This study evaluated the reliability and safety of a tele-assessment protocol for mobility and balance in individuals with chronic stroke, using the OMPEPE guideline. Twenty-five participants underwent in-person and synchronous tele-assessment (Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit-to-Stand, and Functional Reach tests) within 24 to 48 hours. One month later, the same physiotherapist and a second investigator independently scored asynchronous video recordings. Results showed strong agreement between online and in-person assessments, with excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.90). Most participants had moderate to severe motor impairment. These findings suggest that tele-assessment is a reliable and safe approach when systematically planned, providing an effective solution for monitoring individuals with chronic stroke conditions when in-person healthcare is not feasible.

  

Author Biographies

Bruna Nascimento Zanfir da Silva, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)

Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.

Movement Analysis and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil

Camila Pinto, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Movement Analysis and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil

Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil

Caroline Santos Figueiredo, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil

Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.

Movement Analysis and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.

Thainara Cruz da Rosa, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA)

Movement Analysis and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil

Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil

Katherine Lee Hsieh, Universidade Estadual da Geórgia, EUA

Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University, GSU, Atlanta, USA    

Aline de Souza Pagnussat, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil

Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.

Movement Analysis and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.

Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Brazil.

Department of Physical Therapy, Georgia State University, GSU, Atlanta, USA

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Published

2025-12-13

How to Cite

Nascimento Zanfir da Silva, B., Pinto, C., Santos Figueiredo, C., Thainara Cruz da Rosa, Lee Hsieh, K., & de Souza Pagnussat , A. (2025). Tele-assessment of Mobility and Balance is Reliable and Safe for Individuals with Chronic Stroke – A Guideline for a Systematic Physical Evaluation . International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 17(2), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.63144/ijt.2025.6710

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Remote Home Assessments

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Copyright (c) 2025 Bruna Nascimento Zanfir da Silva, Camila Pinto, Caroline Santos Figueiredo, Thainara Cruz da Rosa, Katherine Lee Hsieh, Aline de Souza Pagnussat

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