The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Electromyostimulation Protocols with a Rehabilitation Approach: A narrative Review

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), also known as Electromyostimulation (EMS), has emerged as a valuable intervention in rehabilitation, particularly for individuals with limited voluntary muscle activation due to critical illness, post-stroke conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, or frailty. EMS involves the application of electrical impulses to elicit muscle contractions, thereby preventing atrophy, improving strength, and enhancing functional outcomes. In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into EMS systems has introduced a new dimension to rehabilitation by enabling real-time adaptation, personalization, and intelligent feedback mechanisms. This review explores the evolving role of AI in optimizing EMS protocols across various clinical and athletic settings. Evidence suggests that AI-enhanced EMS can significantly improve activities of daily living (ADLs) in post-stroke patients, enhance physical function in frail older adults with acute heart failure, and support muscle recovery in ICU patients with prolonged immobility. Moreover, wearable EMS suits equipped with embedded sensors and AI-driven analytics have demonstrated promising results in sports performance enhancement, balance training, and chronic pain management. The convergence of EMS with machine learning algorithms, Internet of Things (IoT), and self-powered nanogenerators presents novel opportunities for remote rehabilitation, home-based therapy, and long-term monitoring. However, challenges remain, including the lack of standardized protocols, ethical considerations regarding data privacy and algorithm transparency, and the need for inclusive datasets to ensure equitable access across diverse populations. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, large-scale clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration to fully harness the potential of AI-integrated EMS technologies. As advancements continue, AI-driven EMS is poised to become a cornerstone of personalized, patient-centered rehabilitation strategies in both clinical and community settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) ، Electromyostimulation (EMS) ، Artificial Intelligence (AI) ، Rehabilitation