Efficacy of digital health technologies as adjunctive functional training in occupational therapy for stroke rehabilitation: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke rehabilitation is essential for achieving functional recovery. Using digital health technologies as adjunctive functional training within occupational therapy offers a promising approach to improve training outcomes. However, a comprehensive and updated synthesis of the efficacy of this adjunctive approach is needed. METHODS: Utilizing a systematic search strategy, we identified pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from eight databases. The emphasis was placed on stroke rehabilitation studies that incorporated both digital health technologies and occupational therapy (search date: May 27, 2025). The primary outcomes assessed included upper limb motor function and activities of daily living, while secondary outcomes encompassed hand function, balance, and cognitive function. Data were synthesized using Stata 18.0, accompanied by subgroup analyses to investigate heterogeneity. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 822 stroke survivors from 18 studies. The mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the between-group comparison at post-intervention. The results showed that adjunctive DHT intervention led to significant improvements compared to controls in upper limb motor function (MD: 6.46; 95%CI [5.29, 7.63]; P < 0.001) and activities of daily living (MD: 9.52; 95%CI [5.63, 13.41]; P < 0.001). Additionally, benefits were noted in hand function and cognitive performance. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups for balance function. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates that digital health technologies, when used as an adjunctive functional training tool alongside occupational therapy, enhance upper limb motor function and activities of daily living for stroke survivors.Additionally, benefits have been noted in hand function and cognitive performance. However, the impact of these technologies on balance function remains inconclusive.