ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR PERSONALIZED POST-STROKE REHABILITATION: SOCIAL, ETHICAL, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.5948Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence (AI); Stroke; Neurorehabilitation; Telerehabilitation; Wearable DevicesAbstract
Objectives: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have created new possibilities for improving the individualization and effectiveness of post-stroke rehabilitation. This narrative review aims to summarize current applications of AI in post-stroke rehabilitation and to discuss associated opportunities and limitations.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The analysis focused on stroke, post-stroke rehabilitation, and the use of AI in the rehabilitation process. Publications from 2000 and early 2026 were included.
Key Findings: The reviewed literature indicates that AI-based technologies may support stroke rehabilitation through improved treatment personalization, outcome prediction, continuous patient monitoring, and remote delivery of therapy. Machine learning algorithms, AI-enabled wearable devices, and computer vision techniques facilitate more detailed function assessment of motor and cognitive performance. In addition robotic rehabilitation systems, virtual and augmented reality environments may enhance patient engagement and support functional recovery. However, clinical implementation remains limited due to insufficient validation in large randomized trials, lack of standardization, data privacy issues, ethical and regulatory concerns, and unequal access to advanced technologies.
Conclusions: AI has the potential to contribute to more personalized and data-driven approaches in post-stroke rehabilitation. Nevertheless, its integration into routine clinical practice requires further high-quality clinical studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of ethical and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective implementation.
References
Afridi, A., Obaid, S., Raheel, N., & Rathore, F. A. (2025). Integrating artificial intelligence in stroke rehabilitation: Current trends and future directions; A mini review. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 75(2), 445–447. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.25-16
Alessandro, L., Olmos, L. E., Bonamico, L., Muzio, D. M., Ahumada, M. H., Russo, M. J., Allegri, R. F., Gianella, M. G., Campora, H., Delorme, R., Vescovo, M. E., Lado, V., Mastroberti, L. R., Butus, A., Galluzzi, H. D., Décima, G., & Ameriso, S. F. (2020). Rehabilitación multidisciplinaria para pacientes adultos con accidente cerebrovascular [Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for adult patients with stroke]. Medicina (Buenos Aires), 80(1), 54–68. https://www.medicinabuenosaires.com/PMID/32044742.pdf
Alt Murphy, M., Munoz-Novoa, M., Heremans, C., Branscheidt, M., Cabanas-Valdés, R., Engelter, S. T., Kruuse, C., Kwakkel, G., Lakičević, S., Lampropoulou, S., Luft, A. R., Marque, P., Moore, S. A., Podlasek, A., Shankaranarayana, A. M., Shaw, L., Solomon, J. M., Stinear, C., Swinnen, E., Turolla, A., & Verheyden, G. (2025). European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline on motor rehabilitation. European Stroke Journal, 10(4), 1160–1188. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969873251338142
Batchelor, F., Hill, K., Mackintosh, S., & Said, C. (2010). What works in falls prevention after stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Stroke, 41(8), 1715–1722. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.109.570390
Bonkhoff, A. K., & Grefkes, C. (2022). Precision medicine in stroke: Towards personalized outcome predictions using artificial intelligence. Brain, 145(2), 457–475. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab439
Cao, Z., & Elkins, M. R. (2024). Stroke rehabilitation. Journal of Physiotherapy, 70(1), 5–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2023.11.003
Carpino, G., Pezzola, A., Urbano, M., & Guglielmelli, E. (2018). Assessing effectiveness and costs in robot-mediated lower limbs rehabilitation: A meta-analysis and state of the art. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2018, Article 7492024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7492024
de Sousa, D. G., Harvey, L. A., Dorsch, S., & Glinsky, J. V. (2018). Interventions involving repetitive practice improve strength after stroke: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 64(4), 210–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2018.08.004
Demeco, A., Zola, L., Frizziero, A., Martini, C., Palumbo, A., Foresti, R., Buccino, G., & Costantino, C. (2023). Immersive virtual reality in post-stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review. Sensors, 23(3), Article 1712. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031712
Feigin, V. L., Brainin, M., Norrving, B., Martins, S. O., Pandian, J., Lindsay, P., Grupper, M. F., & Rautalin, I. (2025). World Stroke Organization: Global stroke fact sheet 2025. International Journal of Stroke, 20(2), 132–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/17474930241308142
Foley, N., Pereira, S., Salter, K., Fernandez, M. M., Speechley, M., Sequeira, K., Miller, T., & Teasell, R. (2013). Treatment with botulinum toxin improves upper-extremity function post stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94(5), 977–989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2012.12.006
Hinchey, J. A., Shephard, T., Furie, K., Smith, D., Wang, D., & Tonn, S. (2005). Formal dysphagia screening protocols prevent pneumonia. Stroke, 36(9), 1972–1976. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000177529.86868.8d
Hubbard, I. J., Parsons, M. W., Neilson, C., & Carey, L. M. (2009). Task-specific training: Evidence for and translation to clinical practice. Occupational Therapy International, 16(3–4), 175–189. https://doi.org/10.1002/oti.275
Kaji, R., Osako, Y., Suyama, K., Maeda, T., Uechi, Y., Iwasaki, M., & GSK1358820 Spasticity Study Group. (2010). Botulinum toxin type A in post-stroke lower limb spasticity: A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, 257(8), 1330–1337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-010-5526-3
Kalra, L., Evans, A., Perez, I., Knapp, M., Donaldson, N., & Swift, C. G. (2000). Alternative strategies for stroke care: A prospective randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 356(9233), 894–899. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)02679-9
Kamel, P. I., & Wintermark, M. (2026). Artificial intelligence in stroke imaging: A review of current applications and limitations. Seminars in Neurology, 46(1), 86–91. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2683-6482
Kopalli, S. R., Shukla, M., Jayaprakash, B., Kundlas, M., Srivastava, A., Jagtap, J., Gulati, M., Chigurupati, S., Ibrahim, E., Khandige, P. S., Garcia, D. S., Koppula, S., & Gasmi, A. (2025). Artificial intelligence in stroke rehabilitation: From acute care to long-term recovery. Neuroscience, 572, 214–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.03.017
Langhorne, P., Coupar, F., & Pollock, A. (2009). Motor recovery after stroke: A systematic review. The Lancet Neurology, 8(8), 741–754. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(09)70150-4
Lanotte, F., O’Brien, M. K., & Jayaraman, A. (2023). AI in rehabilitation medicine: Opportunities and challenges. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 47(6), 444–458. https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.23131
Mansfield, A., Inness, E. L., & McIlroy, W. E. (2018). Stroke. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 159, 205–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63916-5.00013-6
Pedroso, A. F., Schwamm, L. H., & Khera, R. (2026). Distributed precision stroke care: Artificial intelligence-driven stroke management using multimodal sensor data. Stroke, 57(2), 526–537. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.125.050447
Potter, T. B. H., Tannous, J., & Vahidy, F. S. (2022). A contemporary review of epidemiology, risk factors, etiology, and outcomes of premature stroke. Current Atherosclerosis Reports, 24(12), 939–948. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-022-01067-x
Rajpurkar, P., Chen, E., Banerjee, O., & Topol, E. J. (2022). AI in health and medicine. Nature Medicine, 28(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-021-01614-0
Rimmele, D. L., & Thomalla, G. (2022). Langzeitfolgen von Schlaganfällen [Long-term consequences of stroke]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz, 65(4), 498–502. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-022-03505-2
Rondina, J., & Nachev, P. (2025). Artificial intelligence and stroke imaging. Current Opinion in Neurology, 38(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1097/WCO.0000000000001333
Rousseaux, M., Daveluy, W., & Kozlowski, R. (2009). Value and efficacy of early supported discharge from stroke units. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 52(3), 224–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2009.01.002
Saini, V., Guada, L., & Yavagal, D. R. (2021). Global epidemiology of stroke and access to acute ischemic stroke interventions. Neurology, 97(20, Suppl. 2), S6–S16. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000012781
Senadheera, I., Hettiarachchi, P., Haslam, B., Nawaratne, R., Sheehan, J., Lockwood, K. J., Alahakoon, D., & Carey, L. M. (2024). AI applications in adult stroke recovery and rehabilitation: A scoping review using AI. Sensors, 24(20), Article 6585. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24206585
Shafaat, O., Bernstock, J. D., Shafaat, A., Yedavalli, V. S., Elsayed, G., Gupta, S., Sotoudeh, E., Sair, H. I., Yousem, D. M., & Sotoudeh, H. (2022). Leveraging artificial intelligence in ischemic stroke imaging. Journal of Neuroradiology, 49(4), 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurad.2021.05.001
Sorkin, G. C., Caffes, N. M., Shank, J. P., Hershey, J. L., Knaub, D. E., Krebs, J. C., & Niazi, M. H. (2026). Current state of the clinical applications of artificial intelligence in stroke: A literature review. Brain Sciences, 16(2), Article 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16020173
Sung, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence in medicine: Ethical, social and legal perspectives. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 52(12), 695–699. https://doi.org/10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2023103
Suri, R., Rodriguez-Porcel, F., Donohue, K., Jesse, E., Lovera, L., Dwivedi, A. K., & Espay, A. J. (2018). Post-stroke movement disorders: The clinical, neuroanatomic, and demographic portrait of 284 published cases. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 27(9), 2388–2397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.04.028
Taghi, Z., Serrien, D. J., Fonseca, L., & Deshpande, N. (2026). A narrative review of AI-driven stroke rehabilitation systems through the lens of human motor learning. Frontiers in Neurology, 17, Article 1800204. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2026.1800204
Tater, P., & Pandey, S. (2021). Post-stroke movement disorders: Clinical spectrum, pathogenesis, and management. Neurology India, 69(2), 272–283. https://doi.org/10.4103/0028-3886.314574
Wang, J., Li, Y., Qi, L., Mamtilahun, M., Liu, C., Liu, Z., Shi, R., Wu, S., & Yang, G. Y. (2024). Advanced rehabilitation in ischaemic stroke research. Stroke and Vascular Neurology, 9(4), 328–343. https://doi.org/10.1136/svn-2022-002285
Winstein, C. J., Stein, J., Arena, R., Bates, B., Cherney, L. R., Cramer, S. C., Deruyte, F., Eng, J. J., Fisher, B., Harvey, R. L., Lang, C. E., MacKay-Lyons, M., Ottenbacher, K. J., Pugh, S., Reeves, M. J., Richards, L. G., Stiers, W., & Zorowitz, R. D. (2016). Guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 47(6), e98–e169. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000098
Zhang, Z., & Yu, L. (2025). AI and stroke rehabilitation: The past, present and future. Regenesis Repair Rehabilitation, 1(4), 6–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rerere.2025.05.002
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Zuzanna Jankowska, Natalia Nałęcz
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles are published in open-access and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Hence, authors retain copyright to the content of the articles.
CC BY 4.0 License allows content to be copied, adapted, displayed, distributed, re-published or otherwise re-used for any purpose including for adaptation and commercial use provided the content is attributed.
How to Cite
