Introduction to Artificial intelligence (AI) in Rehabilitation Field
Hafsa Al Hasani
Senior Pediatric Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
Introduction Method
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous • Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing
industries, and healthcare is no exception. In the field of literature on AI applications in physiotherapy, including journal
physiotherapy, AI offers significant potential to enhance patient
articles, conference papers, and case studies.
care through personalized treatment plans, improved diagnostic
accuracy, and remote rehabilitation capabilities. This poster • Data Collection: Gather data
explores the various applications of AI in physiotherapy, • Analysis: Analyze the collected data to identify patterns, ways,
highlighting its benefits, potential uses, and the challenges that benefits, and challenges associated with AI in physiotherapy.
need to be addressed.
Objectives Discussion
AI in physiotherapy offers many benefits, such as better
1. To identify the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into diagnostic accuracy, personalized treatments, & increased patient
physiotherapy practices. engagement. However, there are challenges like data privacy
2. To estimate the impact of AI types on patient outcomes and issues, the need for extensive training, and the high cost of AI
treatment efficiency. technologies. Future research should aim to create affordable AI
3. To identify future trends and potential developments in AI for solutions and set standardized protocols for clinical use.
physiotherapy.
AI technologies, including machine learning & computer vision,
have greatly improved the personalization of physiotherapy
treatments. They provide real-time video instructions and
Result feedback, enhancing the precision & effectiveness of exercises. AI
and robotic coaches also boost patient engagement & motivation
The integration of AI in physiotherapy in several areas: by offering interactive and personalized guidance.
1. Personalized Treatment Plans: AI algorithms can analyze
patient data to create customized rehabilitation
AI has made telemedicine more effective in physiotherapy,
programs.
allowing patients to do exercises remotely with real-time
2. Improved Diagnostics: AI tools enhance the accuracy of feedback from therapists. This increases the accessibility &
diagnosing conditions through imaging analysis. frequency of sessions. AI also supports complex conditions like
3. Robotic Assistance: AI-powered robots can assist in post-stroke rehabilitation and promotes a holistic approach by
physical therapy by providing consistent and precise integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and virtual reality into
movements. These robots can help patients with mobility treatment plans.
issues perform exercises correctly and safely.
4. Predictive Analytics: AI can predict patient outcomes and
potential complications by analyzing large datasets. This References
helps healthcare providers make informed decisions and
adjust treatment plans proactively. • AI Upbeat (2021) The AI Advantage: How Smart Technology is Enhancing Rehabilitation. Available
at: https://aiupbeat.com/the-ai-advantage-how-smart-technology-is-enhancing-rehabilitation-
5. Wearable Devices: AI-integrated wearables can monitor programs/ (Accessed: 11 October 2024).
patient movements and vital signs, providing continuous • Davids, J., Lidströmer, N. and Ashrafian, H. (2021) Artificial Intelligence for Physiotherapy and
Rehabilitation. SpringerLink.
feedback and tracking progress. These devices can alert
• Gunel, M.K., Ozal, C. and Turker, D. (2019) ‘Introductory Chapter: Physiotherapy and
therapists to any issues that need immediate attention. Rehabilitation’, IntechOpen.
• PBS (2019) How People with Disabilities Are Using AI to Improve Their Lives. Available at:
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/people-with-disabilities-use-ai-to-improve-their-lives/
(Accessed: 11 October 2024).
Conclusion • Physiopedia (2021) Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Health Care and Rehabilitation. Available at:
https://www.physio-
pedia.com/Artificial_Intelligence_%28AI%29_In_Health_Care_and_Rehabilitation (Accessed: 11
October 2024).
AI has the potential to transform physiotherapy by providing
• Rupa Health (2023) The Future of Physical Therapy: How AI is Transforming Rehabilitation. Available
more accurate diagnostics, personalized treatments, and at: https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-future-of-physical-therapy-how-ai-is-transforming-
accessible rehabilitation options. While there are challenges to rehabilitation-and-injury-prevention (Accessed: 8 October 2024).
overcome, the benefits of AI integration in physiotherapy are • Villagran, I., Hernandez, R., Schuit, G., Neyem, A., Fuentes-Cimma, J. and Miranda, C. (2024)
‘Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Physiotherapy Education: A Case Study on the Use of Large
substantial, promising improved patient outcomes and more Language Models (LLM) to Enhance Feedback’, IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies
efficient healthcare delivery. Introducing AI in Oman’s
rehabilitation field is essential to keep pace with modern
advancements.
