Wearable technologies in neurorehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation: A narrative review

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported.

• Effect Size: Not reported — no quantitative synthesis performed. Results are descriptive only.

• Primary Outcome: Narrative synthesis of wearable device utility in neurorehabilitation (19 studies: stroke, Parkinson's disease) and cardiac rehabilitation (6 studies: activity monitoring, recovery support). Patient acceptance was generally positive, particularly in tele-rehabilitation contexts.

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from this review. No NNT, sensitivity, specificity, or hazard ratios are reported. Device types ranged from IMUs and sensor-equipped gloves to wrist-worn ECG monitors; outcomes assessed motor function, heart rate, and rehabilitation adherence without quantified effect estimates.

• Confidence Interval: Not applicable — narrative review with no pooled analysis.

Clinical Application

Wearable technologies described (IMUs, ECG wrist monitors, sensor gloves, virtual reality systems) are commercially available and increasingly accessible. However, cost, digital literacy, device interoperability with electronic health records, and reimbursement pathways remain practical barriers. Long-term adherence and usability are acknowledged as inconsistently reported, limiting confidence in real-world feasibility. In Australia, cardiac rehabilitation programs are supported by the National Heart Foundation and CSANZ guidelines, with growing interest in home-based and hybrid models accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearable ECG monitors (e.g., AliveCor KardiaMobile) have TGA registration for specific indications. The RACGP supports digital health integration in chronic disease management. The MBS does not currently provide specific item numbers for wearable-guided rehabilitation monitoring, though telehealth MBS items (post-pandemic) may facilitate remote monitoring workflows. The PBS does not fund wearable devices. The National Digital Health Strategy 2023–2028 (Australian Digital Health Agency) supports the broader integration of remote monitoring technologies. This review does not address Australian-specific regulatory, funding, or clinical guideline contexts. Adult patients undergoing structured neurological rehabilitation (post-stroke, Parkinson's disease) or cardiac rehabilitation programs. Applicability to paediatric populations, acute inpatient settings, or community-based rehabilitation is not addressed.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Wearable devices are sensor-based technologies capable of continuous physiological and movement monitoring, improving health tracking and clinical care. They can play a crucial role in clinical practice including cardiac and neurological rehabilitation, aiding in conditions as stroke, Parkinson and heart failure. These tools enhance treatment adherence and outcomes through remote, continuous, and personalized monitoring. By overcoming barriers of traditional rehabilitation, wearable devices offer cost-effective, accessible, and patient-centered solutions for chronic care. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the state of the art of the use of wearable devices in cardiology and neurology clinical rehabilitation practice. METHODS: A structured literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases, for original studies published between 2014 and 2024 involving adult patients and clinical data. Only original studies with patient intervention or observation were included. RESULTS: Of the 25 studies included, 19 focused on neurology and 6 on cardiology, all exploring wearable devices in adult rehabilitation from 2014 to 2024. Neurological studies targeted conditions like stroke and Parkinson's disease, using robotic aids and virtual reality, while cardiac studies focused on activity monitoring and recovery support. Devices ranged from IMUs and sensor-equipped gloves to wrist-worn ECG monitors, with outcomes assessing motor function, heart rate, and rehabilitation adherence. Patient acceptance was generally positive, particularly in tele-rehabilitation contexts, although usability and long-term adherence were inconsistently reported. CONCLUSIONS: Wearable devices effectively improve neurological and cardiac rehabilitation by supporting personalized, data-driven therapies and remote monitoring, helping to monitor activity and therapeutic adherence. Overall, they promote better outcomes, patient autonomy, and access to care, although there is less evidence. Future studies should further investigate the utility of these devices in different rehabilitation settings.

References

1. 1.Micali, G., Corallo, F., Cappadona, I., Giambò, F. M., Duca, A., D'Aleo, P., Anselmo, A., Bramanti, A., Garofano, M., Bramanti, P., & Pagano, M. (2026). Wearable technologies in neurorehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation: A narrative review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2026.03.023