Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42118525›Full record

SynthesisEuropean journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine2026

The adoption of innovative technologies in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine: state of the art and unmet needs.

Sanaz Pournajaf, Giovanni Morone, Sofia Straudi, Marco Paoletta, Annibale Antonioni, Marco Franceschini, Francesca Gimigliano, Mauro Zampolini, Alessandro Giustini

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing 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

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

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

9 authors.

Sanaz PournajafResearch Area in Neuromotor Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Robotics, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome Italy - sanaz.pournajaf@sanraffaele.it.
Giovanni MoroneDepartment of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
Sofia StraudiDepartment of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Marco PaolettaDepartment of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy.
Annibale AntonioniDepartment of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
Marco FranceschiniResearch Area in Neuromotor Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Robotics, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome Italy.
Francesca GimiglianoDepartment of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy.
Mauro ZampoliniFoligno Hospital, Foligno, Perugia, Italy.
Alessandro GiustiniEuropean Society of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Trento, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe integration of innovative technologies in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) has significantly advanced patient care, enhancing functional recovery and optimizing rehabilitation processes. Despite growing clinical adoption, a translational gap persists between technological advancements and routine clinical implementation. This study aims to map the available evidence on rehabilitation technologies, identifying their applications, effectiveness, and existing limitations.

methodsA mapping review of systematic reviews was conducted to explore the role of technological innovations in PRM. A systematic search of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database was performed up to July 14

resultsOf 5124 identified records, 623 systematic reviews (12.2%) met the inclusion criteria. Neurological conditions represented the primary focus (56.8%), followed by musculoskeletal (23.7%) and cardiovascular rehabilitation (11.5%). The most frequently studied technologies included virtual reality (28.5%), non-invasive brain stimulation (18.7%), robotics (16.3%), and telerehabilitation (13.4%). Most studies assessed motor recovery (45%), pain management (22%), and cognitive or language rehabilitation (18%). Only 4.8% addressed HTA aspects such as cost-effectiveness and acceptability, highlighting a gap in real-world implementation studies.

conclusionsThis mapping review underscores the increasing interest in technology-assisted rehabilitation but also highlights critical gaps, particularly in HTA assessments and training for PRM specialists. Standardized guidelines, structured training programs, and economic evaluations are essential to optimize integrating rehabilitation technologies into clinical practice. Further research should focus on long-term efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability to ensure equitable access to innovative rehabilitation solutions.

Indexed as

Physical and Rehabilitation MedicineDigital HealthHumansTechnology Assessment, Biomedical

Identifiers

PMID42118525
PMCPMC13340999

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.