Bridging the gaps: how emerging technologies are shaping the future of physiotherapy for all

Abstract

Physiotherapy has traditionally been delivered face‑to‑face in clinical settings, but emerging technologies like telerehabilitation, wearable sensors, virtual/augmented reality, robotic exoskeletons, and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly changing this model. This narrative review of 42 peer‑reviewed, open‑access articles published between 2018 and 2026 examines their implications for equitable health service delivery. Results show that telerehabilitation is as effective as in‑person care for many conditions, with high patient satisfaction and rare adverse events. Wearable devices enable continuous home monitoring and improve physical activity, while virtual reality increases engagement and motor outcomes in stroke, ageing, and musculoskeletal conditions. Robotic exoskeletons improve walking and upper‑limb function in spinal cord injury and stroke, though costs remain high. AI enhances personalisation and prediction, but data are mostly from small studies. From a public health perspective, these technologies offer opportunities to improve access, reduce costs, and address inequalities in rehabilitation care. However, major barriers include the digital divide, lack of equity reporting, and limited implementation in low‑resource settings. Without deliberate attention to digital determinants of health, these innovations risk widening existing inequalities. Therefore, emerging technologies can transform physiotherapy into a more accessible, continuous, and person‑centred model of care, but future implementation must prioritise affordability, digital literacy, and integration into public health systems.