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Howard University Journal of African Studies (HUJAS)

Abstract

In this mini review, we aimed to critically assess the effectiveness of telerehabilitation interventions for patients with upper-extremity orthopedic conditions, particularly in resource-limited areas such as Cameroon. We employed a rigorous article selection process, resulting in a final set of 13 studies published between 2009 and 2022. These studies examined various upper-extremity conditions across diverse patient demographics and utilized multiple outcome assessments, including standardized functional scores and range of motion measures. We analyzed telerehabilitation platforms, including video conferencing, virtual reality interfaces, mobile applications, and phone-based supervision. Our findings indicate that nine of the 13 studies demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain, range of motion, quality of life, function, and satisfaction due to telerehabilitation interventions. However, we identified significant methodological issues in some studies, including small sample sizes, limited control groups, and potential biases. Additionally, this review highlights the significant challenges and considerations that must be addressed when implementing telerehabilitation programs in regions with limited technological resources and infrastructure, such as Cameroon.

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