Digital Transformation of Pediatric Physical Therapy: Contemporary Digital Technologies and Telerehabilitation Opportunities in Motor Function Impairments

Abstract. The implementation of digital technologies in healthcare is significantly transforming traditional models of medical and rehabilitation care for children. Telerehabilitation is regarded as one of the innovative and promising areas of physical therapy in pediatrics, as it provides opportunities to ensure continuity of the rehabilitation process, remotely monitor the implementation of therapeutic interventions, and improve access to specialized care for children regardless of their place of residence. Purpose of the study: to analyze contemporary digital solutions used in physical therapy, particularly in pediatrics; assess the potential of telerehabilitation, artificial intelligence systems, intelligent movement analysis, mobile applications, and other innovative technologies to optimize the rehabilitation process; and identify promising areas for their further implementation when working with children who have motor function impairments. Materials and methods. A theoretical analysis, systematization, and synthesis of the scientific literature on the use of digital technologies in pediatric physical therapy were conducted. Scientific sources were searched in the electronic databases PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Publications addressing the application of telerehabilitation, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, markerless movement analysis, and wearable sensor technologies in children with motor function impairments were analyzed. Results. A systematic approach to the digital transformation of pediatric physical therapy enables rehabilitation interventions to be adapted to the individual needs of the child and ensures continuous support throughout the rehabilitation process. The use of virtual reality technologies, telerehabilitation platforms, mobile applications, artificial intelligence systems, markerless movement analysis, and wearable sensor devices expands the possibilities for remote monitoring of motor functions, supervision of adherence to rehabilitation programs, and assessment of changes in the child’s functional status. The integration of digital technologies with remote interaction among the physical therapist, the child, and their parents creates conditions for personalized therapeutic interventions, timely adjustment of the rehabilitation program, and improved access to physical therapy without the need for the continuous physical presence of a specialist. Conclusions. Telerehabilitation and digital technologies represent a promising direction for the development of pediatric physical therapy, expanding opportunities for providing rehabilitation care to children with motor function impairments. The use of innovative digital solutions, including remote support platforms, mobile applications, movement analysis systems, and artificial intelligence technologies, contributes to improving the effectiveness, accessibility, and personalization of the rehabilitation process. Further development of digital transformation in physical therapy requires additional research to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of these technologies, as well as to determine optimal models for their integration into practice when working with children. Key words: pediatric rehabilitation, physical therapy, telerehabilitation, digital transformation, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, motor functions.