correlation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and fugl-meyer score changes after telerehabilitation in stroke

Introduction: early post-stroke rehabilitation reduces disability and improves quality of life. however, limited access to rehabilitation facilities presents a significant challenge. home-based telerehabilitation has emerged as a viable solution to reach distant stroke populations. motor recovery relies on penumbral reorganization and restructuring. brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic plasticity. however, the impact of additional rehabilitation sessions on bdnf levels and motor function in post-stroke patients remains unexplored.materials and methods: a randomized controlled trial was conducted from june to september 2023, involving 50 patients with stroke. a medical history was assessed using a questionnaire, and motor function was evaluated using the fugl-meyer assessment (fma). blood samples were collected to measure bdnf levels. the intervention included prescribing home-based exercises using a telerehabilitation application on cell phones for 12 weeks. bdnf levels and fma scores were reassessed at the end of the study.results: significant increases in bdnf and fma scores were observed in the mobile-based telerehabilitation group. the increase in bdnf and fma levels in the intervention group exceeded that of the control group.conclusion: mobile-based telerehabilitation is superior to conventional home exercise programs for delivering home-based therapeutic exercises.