Current Advances in Rehabilitation Technology
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 91
Special Issue Editors
Interests: rehabilitation technology; neuromodulation; motor learning; motor control
Interests: biomedical engineering; brain–computer interface; chiropractic; neurorehabilitation; biosignal processing; machine learning; AI
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: neurological rehabilitation; developing and testing rehabilitation devices to improve outcomes for people with neurological disorders; vestibular rehabilitation; human motor control and learning; translating neuroscience research into clinical interventions; health economics and behavioural economics
Interests: neuromodulatory techniques for neural plasticity and neuromuscular control; novel technologies for neurological rehabilitation and healthy brain aging; outcome measurement in the neurophysiological, impairment, and activity domains; user-centred design
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The field of rehabilitation is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by rapid advancements in technology. This Special Issue aims to explore cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies that facilitate improved patient outcomes following illness or injury. This includes a range of tools and products that can enhance patient assessment and treatment. Technologies may provide more precise movement measurements (such as wearable sensors), enhance therapeutic interventions (like robotic devices, virtual reality, and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques), support and track exercise engagement, or deliver real-time monitoring and feedback (through digital health platforms and mobile applications). Additionally, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are being explored for their potential to promote neuroplasticity and improve motor recovery.
This Special Issue will address specific advancements in rehabilitation technology that support the assessment, treatment, and management of various conditions, with a focus on the potential for real-world application in clinical and home settings. The emphasis is on rehabilitation technologies that directly enhance the therapeutic process and drive recovery, rather than on assistive tools that are primarily designed to provide general support in everyday living. Contributions will explore the following themes:
(1) Precise Movement Measurement and Monitoring
- Exploration of wearable sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and video-based motion analysis systems in monitoring real-time movement and tracking rehabilitation progress.
- Use of technologies to enhance the precision of clinical assessments and personalize therapy programs.
(2) AI and Data-Driven Decision-Making
Application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze movement data, predict recovery trajectories, and assist in personalized treatment plans.
(3) Technological Treatment Adjuncts
Innovative applications of advanced tools that complement traditional therapies. This includes robotic exoskeletons, virtual and augmented reality platforms, and other cutting-edge technologies designed to boost motor recovery and overall rehabilitation outcomes. Additionally, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are being explored for their potential to promote neuroplasticity and improve motor recovery.
- The role of NIBS in modulating neural circuits to enhance neuroplasticity and promote motor recovery.
- The integration of NIBS with other rehabilitative technologies and traditional rehabilitation for synergistic effects on functional recovery and cognitive rehabilitation.
(4) Clinician- and Patient-Friendly Technology Adoption
- Addressing challenges related to the usability, accessibility, and integration of rehabilitation technologies into clinical practice and home settings.
- Mobile health applications, wearable devices, and home-based systems designed to promote engagement with rehabilitation, monitor progress, and provide real-time feedback to patients and clinicians.
This Special Issue invites original research, reviews, and case studies showcasing the potential of rehabilitation technology to revolutionize and improve patient quality of life.
Dr. Nitika Kumari
Dr. Imran Khan Niazi
Prof. Dr. Denise Taylor
Dr. Sharon Olsen
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- rehabilitation technology, rehabilitation innovation
- wearable sensors
- non-invasive brain stimulation
- artificial intelligence
- digital health
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