@article{ref1,
title="Is telehealth an effective and feasible option for improving falls-related outcomes in community-dwelling adults with neurological conditions? A systematic review and meta-analysis",
journal="Clinical rehabilitation",
year="2022",
author="Thwaites, Claire and Nayyar, Rohini and Blennerhassett, Jannette and Egerton, Thorlene and Tan, Jasmine and Bower, Kelly",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of telehealth interventions in reducing community falls risk or rates compared to equivalent in-person interventions in adults with neurological conditions. DATA SOURCES: Eight electronic databases, trial registries and search engines were searched for the concepts 'falls', 'neurological conditions', and 'telehealth', limited to English language, from inception until August 2022. REVIEW METHODS: Search for original research where the intervention was delivered via synchronous videoconferencing with the aim of reducing falls and falls-related outcomes. Screening and risk of bias assessment were completed by two independent researchers. Outcome data included falls rates, falls-related outcomes, safety, feasibility, and acceptability. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. Quality of evidence was rated with the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. <br><br>RESULTS: Seventeen studies with 581 participants were included; six were randomised controlled trials. Risk of bias ranged from low to high. Only one study (n = 76) reported falls and did not find differences between telehealth and in-person physiotherapy. There was low-quality evidence that telehealth interventions improve balance outcomes more than face-to-face interventions (pooled between-group mean difference 2.48 Berg Balance Scale units, 95%CI 0.77 to 4.20). Fear of falling was not different between intervention delivery modes. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that telehealth delivered falls prevention interventions are safe, feasible and acceptable in community-dwelling adults with neurological conditions, however, data related to effectiveness in reducing falls is limited. Low-quality evidence suggests that telehealth may deliver similar or better outcomes for standing balance in this population.PROSPERO Registration: (CRD42021240167).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0269-2155",
doi="10.1177/02692155221133468",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02692155221133468"
}