Continuous Movement Monitoring at Home Through Wearable Devices: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Wearable sensors are a promising tool for the remote, continuous monitoring of motor symptoms and physical activity, especially in individuals with neurological or chronic conditions. Despite many experimental trials, clinical adoption remains limited. A major barrier is the lack of awareness and confidence among healthcare professionals in these technologies.

METHODS

This systematic review analyzed the use of wearable sensors for continuous motor monitoring at home, focusing on their purpose, type, feasibility, and effectiveness in neurological, musculoskeletal, or rheumatologic conditions. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

RESULTS

Seventy-two studies with 7949 participants met inclusion criteria. Neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease, were the most frequently studied. Common sensors included inertial measurement units (IMUs), accelerometers, and gyroscopes, often integrated into medical devices, smartwatches, or smartphones. Monitoring periods ranged from 24 h to over two years. Feasibility studies showed high patient compliance (≥70%) and good acceptance, with strong agreement with clinical assessments. However, only half of the studies were controlled trials, and just 5.6% were randomized.

CONCLUSIONS

Wearable sensors offer strong potential for real-world motor function monitoring. Yet, challenges persist, including ethical issues, data privacy, standardization, and healthcare access. Artificial intelligence integration may boost predictive accuracy and personalized care.