JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The prevalence of upper limb impairment ranges from 40-50% in the chronic phase of stroke, presenting a significant public health challenge. While traditional therapy effectively improves hand motor function, it often faces accessibility challenges telerehabilitation, particularly smart device-based therapy, provides a scalable and engaging alternative, though its effectiveness still requires further investigation.

Objective:

This study aims to identify smart device-based therapy interventions for improving hand motor function in stroke survivors during rehabilitation and assess their effectiveness on hand motor function improvement in comparison with traditional therapy methods.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to identify and evaluate smart device-based therapy interventions aimed at improving hand motor function in stroke survivors. A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed (MEDLINE), EBSCO Complete, Google Scholar, Science Direct, ClinicalKey, and Scopus. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on clinical trials that investigated the effectiveness of smart device-based rehabilitation approaches. Data extraction was carried out systematically, capturing key study characteristics, intervention types, and outcome measures. The effectiveness of these interventions was assessed and synthesized to provide a comprehensive overview of their impact on hand motor function recovery in stroke rehabilitation.

Results:

A total of 813 studies were identified, of which 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies encompassed various research designs, including randomized controlled trials (n=4), pilot studies (n=2), and other designs (n=4). Studies have employed diverse digital intervention strategies, including games (n=9), virtual/mixed reality devices (n=6), Kinect camera/sensor (n=5), Jintronix software (n=4) and robotic devices (n=1). Smart device-based therapies contribute to improvements in hand motor function, with significant gains in functional recovery, patient engagement, and adherence.

Conclusions:

The findings of this scoping study highlight the significant potential of smart device therapies for enhancing hand motor functions among stroke survivors. The development of smart devices is an evolving process, highlighting the need for future studies to assess their long-term effectiveness, optimize intervention designs, and explore their broader application in stroke rehabilitation.