Digital Health Technologies to Support At-Home Recovery of People with Stroke: A Scoping Review

Abstract

(1) Background: Digital health technologies (DHTs) are increasingly being utilized to facilitate receiving rehabilitation services remotely, offering innovative solutions to enhance recovery outcomes. This scoping review examines the role of DHT in home-based stroke rehabilitation, focusing on its applications, effectiveness, and limitations. It identifies key advancements and future directions for improving stroke recovery through technological innovations. (2) Methods: Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases to identify studies involving DHT for home-based stroke rehabilitation. Eligible studies incorporated technologies for monitoring and evaluation. Data extraction followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines, synthesizing findings across various research designs. (3) Results: Ten studies were reviewed, categorizing technologies into wearable devices, smartphones, and sensor-based solutions. These tools primarily assessed mobility, upper extremity function, cognitive function, daily living activities, and continuous physiological monitoring. High feasibility and usability were reported, though challenges included small sample sizes and user-centered design limitations. (4) Conclusions: Most DHTs used for evaluating and monitoring home-based stroke rehabilitation are wearable and sensor-based, mainly focusing on mobility and upper extremity function. Their application is effective, but limitations remain. Future research should address these gaps to enhance usability and coverage.