Comprehensive Summary
Mansoubi and colleagues tested whether an AI-driven rehabilitation platform called EvolvRehab MoveWell could help stroke survivors improve arm function through virtual therapy and exergames. The study was carried out across five NHS community stroke services in England, alongside local support groups, with 55 participants living with chronic stroke. Over a 6-week program, patients completed virtual therapy sessions that used AI-based motion capture to guide their movements and give real-time feedback. The results showed measurable progress. On average, participants improved their upper limb motor function, as shown by higher Fugl-Meyer scores. The completion rate was high (91%), with participants completing more than 1,400 repetitions of movements and spending over 200 minutes in active therapy. Interviews with patients and therapists highlighted benefits like improved confidence and mobility, but also challenges such as setup difficulties and occasional technical issues. While the trial was small, it points to the growing promise of AI-enabled telerehabilitation for stroke recovery, particularly for patients who cannot access in-person services regularly.
Outcomes and Implications
For clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, this study suggests that AI-based motion capture and exergaming can be a feasible and engaging way to deliver therapy at home. Traditional stroke rehabilitation is resource-heavy and often limited by access to in-person care, but telerehabilitation systems may help bridge that gap by allowing patients to continue practicing movements remotely while still receiving guided feedback. If developed further, such tools could reduce barriers to care, lower healthcare costs, and make stroke therapy more consistent across different settings. Importantly, the system’s game-like structure could improve adherence and motivation, addressing one of the toughest challenges in long-term rehabilitation. However, larger trials are needed to confirm whether these early improvements translate into lasting functional recovery and real-world independence.