Digital biomarkers derived from wearable sensors in neurorehabilitation: a scoping review.
Digital biomarkers derived from wearable sensors in neurorehabilitation: a scoping review.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Riyadh, SA · Author affiliation
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Location evidence
Cairo, EG · Author affiliation
Department of P.T. for Neurological Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.Location evidence
Giza, EG · Author affiliation
Department of P.T. for Neurological Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.Location evidence
Makkah, SA · Author affiliation
Department of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.Location evidence
Tabuk, SA · Author affiliation
Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.Location evidence
Chennai, IN · Author affiliation
Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (Deemed to the University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.Location evidence
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Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Wearable-derived digital biomarkers are increasingly being investigated in neurological rehabilitation to provide objective and continuous assessment of physical function beyond conventional clinic-based measures. However, the clinical applications and measurement characteristics of these biomarkers across neurological populations remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the current evidence regarding wearable-derived digital biomarkers used in neurological rehabilitation and to summarize their clinical applications, biomarker domains, and measurement characteristics across neurological conditions. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR framework. Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language studies published between January 2015 and May 2026. Eligible studies investigated wearable-derived digital biomarkers in neurological rehabilitation populations. RESULTS: A total of 56 studies were included in the review, with stroke (n = 29) and Parkinson disease (n = 10) representing the most frequently investigated neurological conditions. Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) based systems were reported in 34 studies, making them the predominant wearable technology. Kinematic biomarkers were the most commonly investigated biomarker domain, particularly in stroke (16/29) and Parkinson disease studies (9/10). In contrast, activity-based (2/5) and physiological biomarkers (2/5) were more prevalent in spinal cord injury research. Although several studies reported favorable validity and reliability of wearable-derived measures, substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies in sensor configurations, biomarker definitions, and validation methodologies. CONCLUSION: Wearable-derived digital biomarkers demonstrate considerable potential for objective and ecologically valid monitoring in neurological rehabilitation. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited longitudinal evidence indicate that clinical implementation remains at an early stage of development.