ABAStroke, an AI-powered mobile application for the rehabilitation of cognitive functions of post-stroke patients, has successfully completed a randomized controlled trial. By combining Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodology with machine learning (AI) algorithms, this smart neurorehabilitation system represents a milestone for patients seeking independent, personalized, and effective treatment.
Clinical trial success: significant cognitive improvement
Conducted by a team of researchers from the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, the clinical trial involved 74 participants, with a study group using the ABAStroke app alongside standard care and a control group receiving standard care alone. The study group showed an average improvement of 3.69 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, compared to 2.00 points in the control group. This 1.69-point statistically significant difference represents over 84% higher improvement in cognitive function for ABAStroke.
The statistical power of a study (post-hoc) was 96.3%. These strong results underscore the app's potential to transform post-stroke cognitive rehabilitation.
Personalized digital rehabilitation
Current standards of care (SoC) for post-stroke cognitive deficits often fall short due to a lack of personalized treatment. Generalized rehabilitation protocols may not fully address the specific needs of each patient, leading to slower progress and decreased engagement.
ABAStroke revolutionizes this approach by leveraging Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques and advanced machine learning to tailor rehabilitation exercises to each patient's unique cognitive and physical capabilities to ensure consistent engagement and progress. This personalized approach is vital for optimizing recovery, as it targets each individual's unique deficits and strengths.
Convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness
One of ABAStroke's most significant advantages is its ability to deliver high-quality rehabilitation in the comfort of a patient's home. Traditional rehabilitation often requires frequent hospital visits, which can be costly and inconvenient, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. ABAStroke's in-home model eliminates these barriers, making effective cognitive rehabilitation accessible to a broader range of patients.
"By enabling continuous at-home care, ABAStroke not only reduces healthcare costs but also ensures better access to advanced, evidence-based rehabilitation techniques," added dr Michal Rys, CEO of ABAStroke. "This approach democratizes care, making it possible for more patients to benefit from personalized, evidence-based rehabilitation, regardless of their geographic location or financial situation."
Cutting-edge technology for better patient outcomes
ABAStroke's advanced machine learning algorithms analyze large datasets to develop and adjust personalized rehabilitation plans in real-time, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective treatment based on empirical evidence. The app continuously monitors patient progress, adapting the difficulty and type of exercises to keep the rehabilitation program optimized.
This data-driven approach contrasts with traditional care, which relies heavily on the expertise of therapists that may not always achieve the same level of precision and adaptability as ABAStroke's AI-powered system.
“ABAStroke extends a classical therapy healthcare professionals provide. Primary care doctors, neurologists, and specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation will be able to offer stroke patients a trustworthy, medical-grade, and safe digital companion that will support patients at their homes,” according to dr Rys.
With approximately 50-60% of stroke patients experiencing cognitive deficits, many of whom struggle with daily activities or are unable to return to work, ABAStroke offers hope for improved quality of life. Moreover, the link between untreated cognitive deficits and an increased risk of dementia further emphasizes the importance of accessible rehabilitation.
How ABAStroke became a smart neurorehabilitation system
ABAStroke was developed in a strategic collaboration between ABAStroke and Revolve Healthcare, an outsourced software development company specializing in medical technologies.
Przemek Grzywa, Co-founder and co-CEO of Revolve Healthcare explained, "Outsourcing parts of the development was a strategic decision. Given the stringent regulatory landscape for medical products, it was crucial to partner with a team that has technical expertise and a deep understanding of MDR requirements and ISO 13485 standards."
The technical team from Revolve Healthcare, comprising developers, testers, and regulatory specialists, worked closely with ABAStroke’s in-house experts in UX/UI design and machine learning. "The biggest challenge was meeting the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) requirements," said Grzywa. "We extended our standard scrum process to include rigorous risk analysis, documentation and extended testing necessary for CE certification."
The development of ABAStroke was backed by a grant from the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and private investors.
