Game changing technologies: Horizon Scan of Wearable Devices for Patient Rehabilitation in Health Care

Rehabilitation in healthcare is a collection of interventions that are designed with the intention to improve functional abilities and alleviate disability in individuals facing health-related challenges in their interaction with the environment. Wearable technologies are increasingly supporting rehabilitation by enabling continuous monitoring, real-time feedback, adherence promotion, and active assistance. However, challenges persist across the MedTech development pipeline, particularly in regulatory oversight. This horizon scan outlines current innovations and gaps in wearable rehabilitation technologies across three stages—emerging (innovation and preclinical), transitional (clinical trials), and imminent (market-ready)—with a global perspective and a focus on developments in the UK.