Skip to main content
Physiatry '25 Main banner
Final Program


Final Program

1522 - Exploring Use Cases for Prescription Digital Therapeutics in PM&R

Thursday, February 27, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST

    Presenting Author(s)

  • DT

    Danyal Tahseen, BS

    Medical Student
    Sam Houston State University COM
    Rosenberg, Texas, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RH

    Rhoda M. Hijazi, BS

    Medical Student
    Sam Houston State University COM
    Pearland, Texas, United States

    • Corresponding Author(s)

  • SB

    Savitha Bonthala, D.O., M.P.H

    Academic Physiatrist
    Houston Methodist Hospital, Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Conroe, Texas, United States

Case Diagnosis: Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) have emerged as a promising tool in managing neurological conditions by delivering evidence-based interventions via software to improve functional outcomes. PDTs have improved outcomes in fields like mental health, with clinical trials showing up to a 50% reduction in symptom severity and double the treatment retention for conditions like opioid use disorder. In Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), PDTs hold potential for managing common pathologies like stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and spinal cord injury (SCI). This review aims to synthesize current literature on the efficacy and utility of PDTs in addressing these conditions, focusing on functional recovery, cognitive rehabilitation, and symptom management.

Case Description:

A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using keywords including “prescription digital therapeutics,” “stroke,” “traumatic brain injury,” “spinal cord injury,” and “rehabilitation.” Studies were included if they specifically evaluated outcomes of PDTs in PM&R-related pathologies. Excluded were articles that focused on non-prescriptive digital health tools or lacked outcome data.

Discussions: PDTs for stroke rehabilitation, such as speech and cognitive therapy apps, have shown improvements in speech fluency and motor recovery in post-stroke patients, particularly those with chronic impairments. In TBI management, PDTs targeting memory and cognitive function demonstrated measurable gains in attention and executive function, with patients benefiting from tailored, home-based interventions. Early evidence in SCI shows PDTs can enhance pain management and mobility through digital physical therapy platforms. However, the long-term sustainability of these effects, regulatory concerns, and patient engagement are areas that require further investigation.

Conclusions:

PDTs offer a promising adjunct to traditional rehabilitation for stroke, TBI, and SCI, providing accessible and customizable interventions that can enhance patient outcomes. While early results are encouraging, more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and determine best practices for integrating PDTs into standard PM&R treatment protocols.