How Does the Integration of Wearable Sensor Technology into Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Impact Functional Outcomes in Stroke Patients?

A literature review was done to assess effectiveness of wearable sensors in stroke rehabilitation. There is a scarcity of clinical trials evaluating their effectiveness from a clinical standpoint. Wearable sensors present an opportunity to collect patient data objectively outside of clinical settings, allowing a more comprehensive analysis of patient rehabilitation in the future. A search of PUBMED and Scopus was conducted. Keywords “Stroke Rehabilitation”, “Wearable Sensor”, and “Upper Limb” were used to find articles. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed, and not limited to research within the U.S. Two independent reviewers completed the screening of articles, selecting articles that fit the criteria and discussed outcomes of trials/review. Wearable sensors' efficiency and the ability to quantify motor functions are poised to revolutionize rehabilitation. Allowing motor function data tracking outside clinical settings allows for a more holistic approach to rehabilitation. Due to the large number of strokes that ultimately result in motor impairment, it is crucial to understand the efficacy of various rehabilitation methods. This can be used to direct treatment modalities of stroke patients aimed at optimizing clinical outcomes. With there being a lack of data, the need for further research on the use of wearable sensors in stroke rehabilitation, highlighting an area for further clinical research and assessment of long-term outcomes in this population.