IMPACT OF ACTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY WITH TECHNOLOGY- BASED MONITORING ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN STROKE SURVIVORS: A META-ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65035/8h324h19Keywords:
Exercise Therapy, Mobile Applications, Stroke/rehabilitation, Recovery of Function, Wearable Electronic DevicesAbstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in significantly reduced physical activity levels (PAL) among survivors. Active physiotherapy interventions are key to improving functional outcomes, but the sustainability of these gains is frequently compromised. Recent advancements in technology—such as wearable trackers, mobile applications, and tele-rehabilitation—have introduced new opportunities to enhance and monitor physical activity in real time. Objective: To evaluate the impact of active physiotherapy combined with technology-based monitoring on physical activity levels in stroke survivors, compared to usual care or less active interventions.
Methods: A comprehensive search of six databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science) was conducted up to March 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating active physiotherapy with integrated technology (e.g., wearables, tele-rehab, mobile health apps) were included. The primary outcome was PAL, assessed using objective (e.g., accelerometers) or subjective (e.g., questionnaires) tools. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated via GRADE.
Results: Seventeen studies (n = 2,134 participants) met inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in PAL favoring the intervention group (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30– 0.66, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects in
chronic stroke survivors and with wearable-based objective assessments. Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 59%), and the overall certainty of evidence was rated as moderate.
Conclusion: Active physiotherapy interventions supported by technology-based monitoring significantly enhance physical activity levels post-stroke. These findings support the integration of digital tools into stroke rehabilitation programs to promote sustained recovery and functional independence. Future research should prioritize long-term follow-up, comparative technology evaluations, and implementation strategies in diverse healthcare settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mir Arif Hussain, Shamma Tabbassum, Aqsa Faiz, Sabeen Memon, Atiya Idrees, Muhammad Faisal Qureshi, Muhammad Khan Bhugti (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in the Journal of Medical & Health Sciences Review (JMHSR) remain the copyright of their respective authors. JMHSR publishes its content under the Creative Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY‑NC 4.0), which allows readers to freely share, copy, adapt, and build upon the work for non‑commercial purposes, provided proper credit is given to both the authors and the journal.
