Background: Technology-enhanced neurorehabilitation programs have so far shown promising evidence in targeting motor disability. However, still less is known on the widespread benefits of technology, specifically regarding the functional status, cognition, psychological well-being, and broader health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A pilot longitudinal investigation on the biopsychosocial impact of technology-enhanced neurorehabilitation programs compared to conventional treatment was conducted in a convenience sample of patients with stroke, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or osteoarthritis (n=68). A two-arm non-randomized study design was adopted to estimate pre- post-intervention changes and long-term effects (6-month follow-up) on multiple outcomes, including the functional status (ADLs autonomy, risk of falls), cognitive functioning (attention, executive functions), anxiety and depression symptoms, and HRQoL. Within- and between-group statistical analyses and general linear models were performed within each clinical population involved. Findings: At post-intervention, widespread improvements were observed, with significant multi-domain changes estimated within each sub-sample. Significant between-group comparisons were found in psychological well-being, depression symptoms and HRQoL variables among patients with stroke, PD, and osteoarthritis respectively, evidencing a wider short-term impact of technology-enhanced programs. At 6-month follow-up, significant main effects of time were estimated on HRQoL scores within all sub-samples and, additionally, on anxiety and depression symptoms levels within patients with stroke and osteoarthritis. No longitudinal interaction effects were estimated, although significant between-group differences in anxiety and depression symptoms were found in patients with PD at final follow-up. Discussion: Further research is needed to deepen the longitudinal trajectories of the biopsychosocial benefits of technology-enhanced neurorehabilitation programs, ultimately supporting technology multi-domain effectiveness.
Zanatta, F., Steca, P., Fundarò, C., Giardini, A., Ferretti, C., Arbasi, G., et al. (2024). Biopsychosocial Effects of Technology-enhanced Multidisciplinary Neurorehabilitation: Preliminary Longitudinal Multi-Sample Evidence. In Health Psychology for a Sustainable Future. Book of Abstract. 38th Annual Conference of the European Health Psychology Society (EHPS) (pp.56).
Biopsychosocial Effects of Technology-enhanced Multidisciplinary Neurorehabilitation: Preliminary Longitudinal Multi-Sample Evidence
Zanatta, F
;Steca, P;Adorni, R;D’Addario, Marco;
2024
Abstract
Background: Technology-enhanced neurorehabilitation programs have so far shown promising evidence in targeting motor disability. However, still less is known on the widespread benefits of technology, specifically regarding the functional status, cognition, psychological well-being, and broader health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A pilot longitudinal investigation on the biopsychosocial impact of technology-enhanced neurorehabilitation programs compared to conventional treatment was conducted in a convenience sample of patients with stroke, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or osteoarthritis (n=68). A two-arm non-randomized study design was adopted to estimate pre- post-intervention changes and long-term effects (6-month follow-up) on multiple outcomes, including the functional status (ADLs autonomy, risk of falls), cognitive functioning (attention, executive functions), anxiety and depression symptoms, and HRQoL. Within- and between-group statistical analyses and general linear models were performed within each clinical population involved. Findings: At post-intervention, widespread improvements were observed, with significant multi-domain changes estimated within each sub-sample. Significant between-group comparisons were found in psychological well-being, depression symptoms and HRQoL variables among patients with stroke, PD, and osteoarthritis respectively, evidencing a wider short-term impact of technology-enhanced programs. At 6-month follow-up, significant main effects of time were estimated on HRQoL scores within all sub-samples and, additionally, on anxiety and depression symptoms levels within patients with stroke and osteoarthritis. No longitudinal interaction effects were estimated, although significant between-group differences in anxiety and depression symptoms were found in patients with PD at final follow-up. Discussion: Further research is needed to deepen the longitudinal trajectories of the biopsychosocial benefits of technology-enhanced neurorehabilitation programs, ultimately supporting technology multi-domain effectiveness.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.