Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41211109›Full record

ReviewAnnals of translational medicine2025

Enhancing home rehabilitation through AI-driven virtual assistants: a narrative review.

David B Olawade, Khadijat K Adeleye, Eghosasere Egbon, Udoka Shalom Nwabuoku, Aanuoluwapo Clement David-Olawade, Stergios Boussios, Laura Vanderbloemen

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Annals of translational medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Review
  5. Review
  6. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

David B OlawadeDepartment of Allied and Public Health, School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, UK.
Khadijat K AdeleyeElaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
Eghosasere EgbonDepartment of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Life Science Engineering, FH Technikum, Vienna, Austria.
Udoka Shalom NwabuokuDepartment of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
Aanuoluwapo Clement David-OlawadeEndoscopy Unit, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester, NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.
Stergios BoussiosDepartment of Research and Innovation, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, UK.
Laura VanderbloemenDepartment of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background and Objective: Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven virtual physiotherapy assistants (VPAs) are increasingly adopted in home-based rehabilitation, offering real-time feedback and personalised guidance through wearable sensors. These systems enhance treatment adherence, minimise clinic visits, and improve rehabilitation outcomes. However, challenges such as sensor accuracy, patient engagement, and affordability hinder widespread implementation. This review explores current applications, benefits, and limitations of AI-driven VPAs. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted across PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Search terms such as: "artificial intelligence", "virtual physiotherapy assistants", "home rehabilitation", and "wearable sensors". From 847 initially identified articles, 31 peer-reviewed publications (2018-2024) met inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria eliminated non-English publications, conference abstracts, and studies without AI components. The review synthesised literature on sensor accuracy, AI-based monitoring algorithms, and patient engagement strategies. Key Content and Findings: Analysis of 31 studies revealed that AI-driven VPAs enhance adherence and reduce in-person visits. Integrating wearable sensors and AI facilitates real-time feedback and personalised support, improving exercise accuracy. Critical limitations include inertial measurement unit drift, electromyography sensor placement variability, and optical system environmental dependencies. Challenges remain in sensor precision, user motivation, cost barriers, and technology accessibility. Novel findings highlight potential for predictive analytics, gamification strategies, and telehealth integration. Conclusions: AI-driven VPAs offer a promising accessible, personalised home-based rehabilitation solution. Evidence demonstrates therapeutic potential, though systematic addressing of sensor accuracy, engagement strategies, and accessibility barriers is essential for implementation. Technological improvements and increased affordability are crucial for broader adoption and long-term impact on rehabilitation delivery.

Indexed as

Artificial intelligence (AI)home-based rehabilitationtelehealth integrationvirtual physiotherapywearable sensors

Identifiers

PMID41211109
PMCPMC12591998

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.