e Siqueira TB, Parraça J, Sousa JP. Available rehabilitation technology with the potential to be incorporated into the clinical practice of physiotherapists: A systematic review.
Health Sci Rep 2024;
7:e1920. [PMID:
38605728 PMCID:
PMC11007654 DOI:
10.1002/hsr2.1920]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
The development of prototypes capable of intervening in the area of rehabilitation in physical therapy clinical practice activities that were previously carried out in a traditional way, that is, manually, demonstrates how technology is having an impact on professional careers such as physiotherapy.
Objective
The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive examination of various technologies employed in the facilitation of patient rehabilitation, with a focus on their potential integration within the clinical practice of physical therapists.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search in four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, and PubMed) for research on rehabilitation technologies. The eligible studies should demonstrate a clear utilization of technology in various aspects of the clinical approach to the rehabilitation process and have been published between 2000 and 2021 in either Portuguese or English.
Results
A total of 18 articles that satisfied the selection criteria were included in the study. The studies were classified into four distinct categories of rehabilitation technologies, which were determined by the specific characteristics of the technology employed and its integration with the therapeutic approach to rehabilitation. These categories include digital technologies, artificial intelligence and/or robotics, virtual technologies, and hybrid technologies.
Implications on Physiotherapy Practice
Rehabilitation technologies possess the capacity to effectively facilitate clinical activities performed by physical therapy professionals, including injury prevention, movement monitoring, and coordination of rehabilitation programs, with minimal or negligible intervention from the physical therapist. Further research is required to ascertain the precise capabilities of various technologies in collaborating with physiotherapists to deliver comprehensive care for patients' physical well-being, encompassing both therapeutic and preventive approaches.
Trial Registration
PROSPERO registration number CRD42020222288.
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