Gesture-based rehabilitation as an assistive technology for post-infectious and post-critical illness disabilities: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This commentary examines gesture-based rehabilitation (GBR) as an assistive technology within an ecosystem for survivors of infectious diseases with neurological disabilities. It describes the roles of computer vision, markerless motion capture, depth cameras, artificial intelligence-driven pose estimation, wearable sensors, smartphone-based tracking, and virtual or augmented reality, while considering infection control and global accessibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This commentary was developed by synthesising the existing literature, with an emphasis on camera-based motion capture, gesture-controlled serious games, AI-driven pose estimation, wearable movement sensors, smartphone tracking, and virtual or augmented reality rehabilitation systems. The analysis compares outcomes from traditional neurological conditions, such as stroke and Parkinson's disease, to the specific needs of infectious disease survivors. RESULTS: Evidence from stroke, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological populations suggests that gesture-based systems may support motor rehabilitation, patient engagement, and remote monitoring. GBR may also reduce the need for direct patient-therapist interaction. However, there is currently insufficient direct evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of these systems among survivors of infectious diseases. Additional barriers include hardware costs, limited digital infrastructure, and unequal access in rural and resource-constrained settings. CONCLUSION: GBR offers a versatile method for aiding recovery after infectious neurological illnesses. Nonetheless, its safety, effectiveness, and practicality in these groups remain uncertain, as most evidence comes from non-infectious neurological conditions. Specific studies on these populations are necessary before routinely recommending these technologies, along with strategies to overcome technological, financial, and access-related challenges.