Enhancing Post-Stroke Motor Recovery Through a Structured Home-Based Rehabilitation Program: A Pilot Study

Motor deficits caused by stroke are one of the significant contributors to long-term disability, which minimally improves independence and quality of life. Although rehabilitation in hospitals has shown to be effective, the lack of accessibility, cost, and compliance have also been identified as barriers to other forms of rehabilitation. Home-based rehabilitation is a feasible option; there is a lack of structured programs and evidence-based practice. This pilot was used to assess the viability, safety, and initial results of an organized 4-week home-based intervention involving rehabilitation. Ten participants with post-stroke between 45 and 70 years were involved in mobility, balance, and strength daily exercises, and the pre- and post-intervention tests were performed using both the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. There were no adverse events and high adherence to the program reported by all participants who report it to be easy to follow and help them in achieving their recovering aims. The clinical outcomes showed the improvement of motor skills and mobility, whereas subjective feedback showed the increase of confidence, motivation, and self-efficacy in carrying out daily activities independently. The results indicate that structured home-based rehabilitation is a viable, safe, and possibly effective addition to the hospital-based care and can facilitate physical recovery and patient engagement. Notably, the program enhanced more autonomy and motivation, which are crucial when it comes to rehabilitation success in the long run. Despite the small sample size and brief timeline, this study demonstrates some promising results that patient-based, adaptable rehabilitation plans can be extended to enhance access and compliance in post-stroke groups. These findings should be supported by bigger and more longitudinal studies to validate the findings and optimize program protocols, eventually increasing rehabilitation options to serve patient needs and maximize recovery outcomes.