Internet-based physical assessment of people with Parkinson disease is accurate and reliable: a pilot study

Abstract

Telerehabilitation may be an alternative service delivery model for people with Parkinson disease (PD) who live in areas where traditional rehabilitation services are not readily accessible. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of performing remote physical assessments of people with PD via telerehabilitation when compared with traditional face-to-face assessments. Twelve subjects were simultaneously examined by a face-to-face investigator and a remote investigator via the eHAB telerehabilitation system. The outcome measures evaluated included the timed stance test, Timed "Up and Go" test, step test, steps in 360 degree turn, Berg Balance Scale, and lateral and functional reach tests. Limits of agreements intervals and weighted kappa statistics demonstrated the telerehabilitation assessments to be accurate within clinically acceptable limits. A high level of inter- and intrarater reliability was demonstrated across all telerehabilitation assessments. This study indicates that it is possible to assess the physical ability of people with PD via telerehabilitation systems and provides support for the further development of telerehabilitation applications for patients with neurological disorders.