Abstract Background and aims Patient-related factors, including engagement and motivation have an important effect on outcomes after stroke rehabilitation. Wearable devices allow objective and continuous monitoring of health-related parameters and behavior. The effect of wearables on patient engagement are unclear. Methods We aim to investigate the effect of wearable devices on patient engagement and motivation during early stroke rehabilitation. Further, we assess the potential of wearable devices to quantify the changes in neurological function and identify potential markers for complications in early stroke rehabilitation. Results In the SENSOR-S Study, patients with stroke (modified Rankin Scale 5) are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group during in-patient rehabilitation. The intervention group receives a set of wearables including a smartwatch, smartphone, and a continuous glucose monitoring for a two-week period monitoring patient’s health-related parameters and behavior. Inertial-measurement-units are used to record gait. The collected data are delivered to patients through a mobile application as daily and weekly reports, complemented by health-related reminders and motivational prompts. The control group receives usual care. Study visits are performed before and after the intervention. Based on the sample size calculation, 156 patients were required. Conclusions Primary outcome is the change in patient engagement assessed using the Patient Activity Measure (PAM-13) at the end of the intervention period compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes include change in functional outcome and subjective quality of life. Conflict of interest
Kaynak et al. (2026) studied this question.