Feasibility of a self-rehabilitation program for the upper limb for stroke patients in Benin

Well, if we would follow evidence based medicine there would be no reason to have therapists or doctors assist you in your recovery. Only 10% of patients fully recover and almost all of recovery is spontaneous and all the work is done by you anyway.
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1877065715004996?via=sd

Abstract

Introduction

Stroke is a major cause of disability and represents a very high cost in developing countries. Self-rehabilitation programs represent a new and original treatment for stroke patients, likely to reduce upper limb impairments and improve activity and participation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a self-rehabilitation protocol in Benin.

Methods

Twelve chronic stroke patients carried out the upper limb self-rehabilitation program (3hours/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks). The performance of these patients was evaluated before and after the self-rehabilitation program, by measuring the number of exercises that patients were able to achieve during a three-hour session, and by assessing their gross manual dexterity.

Results

Twelve patients were effectively able to complete the entire program. The number of unimanual exercises and self-mobilizations performed during a three-hour session as well as the score of the Box and Block test were improved by the self-rehabilitation program (P<0.05).

Discussion and conclusion

Self-rehabilitation programs are feasible and inexpensive as they do not involve a therapist. It is then a promising approach in stroke rehabilitation, particularly in developing countries, where rehabilitation costs are usually supported by patients.