YouTube as a source of information for stroke rehabilitation: a cross-sectional analysis of quality and reliability of videos
Assylbek M.I. Zimba O. Akyol A. Yessirkepov M. Kocyigit B.F.
April 2025Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Rheumatology International
2025#45Issue 4
Introduction: Due to YouTube’s meteoric rise in popularity, the quality and reliability of health-related videos on YouTube are being questioned, particularly in specialized fields like stroke rehabilitation. This research aimed to assess the quality and reliability of YouTube videos relevant to stroke rehabilitation. Method: Video listing was conducted on December 17, 2024, using the keywords “Stroke Rehabilitation”, “Stroke Physical Therapy”, “Stroke Neurophysiotherapy”, and “Stroke Physical Therapy Techniques” as query terms. A final sample of 72 videos was selected upon completion and evaluated according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Global Quality Scale (GQS), Modified DISCERN Questionnaire, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audio/Visual Materials (PEMAT-A/V) were among the evaluation tools used to analyze each video. Researchers captured the videos’ fundamental components and compared the quality classifications. Results: Of the 72 videos examined, 29.2% (n = 21) were categorized as low quality, 20.8% (n = 15) as intermediate level, and 50% (n = 36) as high quality. Videos generated by academic medical centers (77.8%) and nonphysician healthcare professionals (59.4%) were primarily of high quality, while videos from independent users (100%) and TV channels (66.7%) displayed the lowest quality. Significant differences were observed when comparing quality groups based on daily views, likes, and comments (p < 0.05). The lowest scores were detected in the low-quality group. Significant correlations were identified between GQS and other evaluative instruments (p < 0.001), indicating consistency across evaluation frameworks. Conclusion: YouTube possesses considerable potential as an instructional tool for stroke rehabilitation. The inconsistency in video quality underscores the necessity for enhanced content control, editing, and the advocacy of high-quality, evidence-based resources. Promoting collaboration among academics, healthcare professionals, and content producers could augment the platform’s instructional efficacy.
Information science , Internet , Neurological rehabilitation , Social media , Stroke rehabilitation
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Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Medical Center ‘’Mediker’’, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep Islam Science and Technology University, Gaziantep, Turkey
Department of Biology and Biochemistry, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, Adana, Turkey
Department of Neurology
Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health
Medical Center ‘’Mediker’’
Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology
National Institute of Geriatrics
Department of Internal Medicine N2
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Department of Biology and Biochemistry
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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