Technology-enhanced telerehabilitation for post-stroke recovery: A literature review of digital platforms and patient outcomes

Background: Technology-enhanced telerehabilitation integrates digital platforms such as virtual reality (VR), mobile applications, wearable sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) to support post-stroke recovery. These innovations aim to enhance accessibility, patient engagement, and rehabilitation outcomes, yet challenges related to implementation, cost, and clinical integration remain.
Objective: This scoping review examines the effectiveness of digital telerehabilitation platforms in post-stroke recovery, focusing on their impact on motor function, patient engagement, quality of life, and implementation barriers.
Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024. Studies evaluating digital telerehabilitation interventions for post-stroke recovery were included. Data were synthesized to assess rehabilitation outcomes, adherence rates, and technological limitations.
Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, examining VR-based rehabilitation, mobile and wearable technology, AI-driven therapy personalization, and hybrid platforms. Analysis of studies showed that telerehabilitation was superior or comparable to traditional rehabilitation in improving psychological status and activities of daily living. Patient engagement was enhanced through real-time feedback and gamification features, with studies reporting high adherence to therapy protocols. VR and sensor-based approaches demonstrated improvements in upper extremity function and posture control. Key implementation challenges included internet access limitations, technical complexity, device compatibility issues, and data security concerns.
Conclusions: Digital telerehabilitation platforms offer a promising approach to post-stroke rehabilitation, with evidence supporting improvements in motor recovery, engagement, and quality of life. However, barriers such as cost, accessibility, and clinical integration need to be addressed. Future research should focus on long-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and optimizing these technologies for diverse patient populations.