Modern Technologies Supporting Motor Rehabilitation After Stroke: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Stroke is a primary cause of long-term disability globally.
• Neuroplasticity, enhanced by intensive training, is crucial for motor recovery.
• Modern technologies offer novel approaches to stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy of modern rehabilitation technologies for post-stroke motor recovery.
• To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of motor relearning.
• To assess the integration of these technologies with conventional physiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of studies from 2005-2025.
• Searches conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
• Analysis of randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews.

Main Results:

• Robotic rehabilitation, virtual reality, functional electrical stimulation, brain-computer interfaces, and non-invasive brain stimulation improve motor function and activities of daily living.
• These technologies are most effective when integrated with conventional physiotherapy.
• Integrated rehabilitation technologies show synergistic neuroplastic effects.

Conclusions:

• Modern technologies are effective adjuncts to conventional physiotherapy for stroke rehabilitation.
• Early, individualized, and standardized implementation optimizes neuroplasticity and functional outcomes.
• Challenges include cost, standardization, and methodological heterogeneity.