Wearable devices for gait and posture monitoring via telemedicine in people with movement disorders and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Wearable devices and telemedicine are increasingly used to track health-related parameters across patient populations. Since gait and postural control deficits contribute to mobility deficits in persons with movement disorders and multiple sclerosis, we thought it interesting to evaluate devices in telemedicine for gait and posture monitoring in such patients.

Methods: For this systematic review, we searched the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. Of the 452 records retrieved, 12 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data about (1) study characteristics and clinical aspects, (2) technical, and (3) telemonitoring and teleconsulting were retrieved, The studies were quality assessed.

Results: All studies involved patients with Parkinson's disease; most used triaxial accelerometers for general assessment (n = 4), assessment of motor fluctuation (n = 3), falls (n = 2), and turning (n = 3). Sensor placement and count varied widely across studies. Nine used lab-validated algorithms for data analysis. Only one discussed synchronous patient feedback and asynchronous teleconsultation.

Conclusions: Wearable devices enable real-world patient monitoring and suggest biomarkers for symptoms and behaviors related to underlying gait disorders. thus enriching clinical assessment and personalized treatment plans. As digital healthcare evolves, further research is needed to enhance device accuracy, assess user acceptability, and integrate these tools into telemedicine infrastructure.

Prospero registration: CRD42022355460.

Keywords: Wearable electronic devices; accidental falls; functional movement disorder; gait; neurodegenerative diseases; quality of life; telemedicine; telerehabilitation.