Role of artificial intelligence augmented interventions in Rehabilitation: A scoping review

World demographic patterns reveal that the percentage of older adults has been increasing at a rapid rate with a significant number of them being faced with chronic health problems and functional limitations. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought new technologies like remote monitoring, personalized treatment plans, and adherence management, which could result in more access to and engagement in rehabilitation. Nonetheless, the implementation of AI in clinical practice is relatively recent and needs thorough consideration. This scoping review maps the current scope, breadth, and characteristics of AI applications in rehabilitation, identifying key themes, implementation patterns, and gaps in the evidence base.

A scoping review was done based on PRISMA extension of Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the framework of Arksey and O'Malley. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases was carried out to identify articles that were published between 2014 and 2024. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers based on pre-established eligibility criteria as well as synthesized narratively.

A total of 9742 articles were uniquely identified in the literature review, and eventually, 18 articles were eligible according to our eligibility criteria. In July 2024, an additional search added seven additional studies to the list, and thus 25 studies were included in the analysis.

Rehabilitation is a new area in which AI can be used to improve access to services, efficiency, and customized care. However, a review of literature has indicated that the level of high quality of evaluations of clinical impact was lacking.