Telerehabilitation of executive functions after paediatric stroke: A feasibility study

Executive Functions (EF) are particularly vulnerable among the cognitive functions affected by paediatric stroke. However, to date, only one study investigated EF rehabilitation for primary and secondary school children. The present study aims to investigate the feasibility of a home-based computerized cognitive EF training, with a sample of children aged 6-12 with a history of perinatal or childhood stroke referred to the Giannina Gaslini Children hospital in Italy. In addition, the feasibility of the recruitment and assessment process was also investigated, and the descriptive data for the pre- and post-training evaluation are presented. Twelve children with stroke were recruited. Ten indicators were used to assess the feasibility of the training and of the recruitment and assessment procedures. Results demonstrated high compliance and no relevant technical issues, demonstrating the feasibility of the computerized training at home. In addition, parents and children reported positive satisfaction with the training. The recruitment and assessment procedures were found to be feasible, as well. Results shed light on the potential of telerehabilitation for children with stroke, suggesting its utility to facilitate the rehabilitation of paediatric patients. Further efficacy and larger-scale studies are needed.