AI and stroke rehabilitation: The past, present and future

This article offers a comprehensive review of research progress in the field of artificial intelligence and stroke rehabilitation. It begins by exploring its historical development, which has progressed through the stages of germination, technological integration, and initial application, marked by ongoing innovation. The article then delves into the current research landscape, addressing core technological support, the expansion of application scenarios, and the verification of clinical effects that showcase the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation. Subsequently, future development trends are analyzed, including the move toward personalization and precision, the widespread adoption of remote and home-based rehabilitation, and the integration of multi-technology approaches alongside cross-disciplinary innovation. Concurrently, challenges facing the field—such as technological bottlenecks, the absence of ethical guidelines, and difficulties in adapting healthcare systems—are examined, with corresponding strategies and recommendations proposed. Lastly, the article highlights the reshaping of the stroke rehabilitation paradigm through artificial intelligence, discussing future research directions, social impacts, and visionary goals. It underscores the global importance of artificial intelligence in advancing stroke rehabilitation and fostering its development worldwide.