Efficacy of wearable devices for upper and lower limb rehabilitation in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Summary - MDSpire

Efficacy of wearable devices for upper and lower limb rehabilitation in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • By

  • Chang Liu

  • Baojian Wei

  • Xiaolei Wang

  • Ning Jiang

  • Yuzhen Xu

  • May 14, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To determine the efficacy of various wearable devices, including activity trackers and smart devices, in promoting rehabilitation for stroke patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Key Findings:
  • Wearable devices can improve upper limb function and daily living activities in stroke patients, with studies showing an average improvement of X% in functional scores.
  • Rehabilitation programs utilizing wearable technology show significant benefits in functional restoration, with a reported effect size of Y.
  • Wearable devices enhance patients' perceptual abilities and promote physical activity, leading to an increase in daily activity levels by Z%.
Interpretation:

The findings suggest that wearable technology is a viable option for enhancing rehabilitation outcomes in stroke survivors, addressing both functional recovery and self-management.

Limitations:
  • Limited to studies published in English or Chinese, which may introduce language bias.
  • Potential variability in wearable device types and rehabilitation protocols across studies, affecting comparability.
  • Exclusion of qualitative research may overlook patient experiences and perspectives, limiting understanding of user satisfaction.
Conclusion:

Wearable technology presents a promising approach to support rehabilitation in stroke survivors, warranting further research to optimize its application in clinical settings.

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