Internet Based Versus Conventional Physical Therapy

A study conducted by T.G. Russell, P. Buttrum, and R. Wooton etal in 2011 used a 6 week, 65 participant patient base for looking at a comparison of a group using telehealth physical rehabilitation versus another conventional therapy group. The outcomes for flexion, extension, range of motion, muscle strength, limb girth, pain, quality of life and clinical test scores were the same for Internet based therapy (IBT) as for the conventional group. The study thus advocates for an investigation of cost reduction and comparative effectiveness for consumers of telehealth in physical therapy solutions. One of the best and most cost effective physical therapy tools on the market today is the TUTOR system. Its components, the HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR are gloves or braces that are attached to affected disabled limbs with sensors to a dedicated and exclusive software program. The patient with some paresis stemming from Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain/spinal cord injury, CP, MS or other limb disabling illnesses or surgeries is able to be involved in an intensive exercise program. The attending physical/occupational therapist then records the information and customizes the treatment session to fit the patient’s needs. This creates augmented feedback leading to enhanced functional rehabilitation. All this is available as a physical therapy solution through the use of telerehabilitation where the patient either has improved to the point that he doesn’t need hospitalization care or where he may be located too far from a rehabilitation facility. For more information on the TUTOR system see WWW.MEDITOUCH.CO.IL