Application of IoT, Wireless Sensors and Mobile Application for Post Stroke Management
Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. Stroke survivors often suffer from motor impairments that limit their ability to perform daily activities and reduce their quality of life. Rehabilitation after stroke is a complex and iterative process that involves assessment, goal setting, intervention and evaluation. However, conventional rehabilitation methods face several challenges, such as limited resources, accessibility, individualization and feedback.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that enables the interconnection of various devices, sensors and applications through the internet. IoT has the potential to transform the healthcare industry by providing remote monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions. In particular, IoT can enhance stroke rehabilitation by enabling wearable technology, smart environments and mobile applications that can collect, analyze and communicate data related to the patient’s condition, progress and needs.
Wearable technology refers to devices that can be worn on the body or attached to the skin, such as smartwatches, bracelets, gloves, socks and patches. These devices can measure various physiological and biomechanical parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, muscle activity, joint angle and movement. Wearable technology can provide objective and continuous assessment of the patient’s motor impairment and recovery, as well as real-time feedback and guidance during rehabilitation exercises. For example, Maceira-Elvira et al. [1] reviewed several wearable sensors used in stroke rehabilitation research, focusing on the upper extremity. They discussed how wearable sensors can capture aspects such as range of motion, synergistic movements, reaching and grasping capabilities and object manipulation. They also highlighted the challenges and opportunities in developing reliable and accessible tools for stroke rehabilitation using wearable technology.
Smart environments refer to spaces that are equipped with sensors, actuators and intelligent systems that can interact with the users and adapt to their needs. Smart environments can provide ambient assisted living and rehabilitation for stroke patients at home or in community settings. Smart environments can monitor the patient’s activity level, safety and well-being, as well as provide personalized and context-aware interventions and reminders. For example, Pradhan et al. [2] reviewed several IoT-based applications in healthcare devices, focusing on smart homes and smart cities. They discussed how IoT can enable smart environments that can support independent living, chronic disease management and emergency response for elderly and disabled people.
Mobile applications refer to software programs that can run on smartphones or tablets and provide various functions and services for the users. Mobile applications can provide access to information, education and communication for stroke patients and caregivers, as well as facilitate self-management and adherence to rehabilitation programs. Mobile applications can also provide interactive games and virtual reality scenarios that can motivate and engage the patients in performing rehabilitation exercises. For example, Khan et al. [3] reviewed several IoT-based applications in healthcare sensors, focusing on mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine. They discussed how IoT can enable mobile applications that can deliver health information, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up for various diseases and conditions.
In conclusion, IoT is a promising technology that can improve stroke rehabilitation by providing wearable technology, smart environments and mobile applications that can enhance the assessment, intervention and evaluation of the patient’s condition, progress and needs. IoT can also reduce the healthcare costs, increase the accessibility of rehabilitation services and improve the patient’s satisfaction and quality of life. However, there are also some challenges and issues that need to be addressed before IoT can be widely adopted in stroke rehabilitation, such as data security, privacy, interoperability, standardization, regulation and ethics.
Works Cited
[1] Maceira-Elvira P., Popa T., Schmid A.-C., Hummel F.C., “Wearable technology in stroke rehabilitation: towards improved diagnosis
and treatment of upper-limb motor impairment”, Journal of NeuroEngineering
and Rehabilitation 16 (2019): 142,
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-019-0612-y.
[2] Pradhan B., Bhattacharyya S., Pal K., “IoT-Based Applications in Healthcare Devices”, Journal of Healthcare Engineering 2021 (2021): 6632599,
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6632599.
[3] Khan M.A., Khan A., Ahmed M., Ali R., Ahmed S., “Application of Internet of Things
and Sensors in Healthcare”, Sensors 22 (2022): 5738,
https://doi.org/10.3390/s22155738.
