ISSN: 3091-2008
Edición Bianual:
Vol. 4 Num. 9, PP 178-192
DOI:
encontrados coinciden con la literatura internacional en que la inteligencia artificial
complementa el criterio clínico del fisioterapeuta, mas no lo sustituye, siendo fundamental
tratar barreras éticas, de privacidad y de alfabetización digital. La inteligencia artificial se
evidencia como una herramienta prometedora para transformar la fisioterapia geriátrica hacia
un modelo más predictivo, personalizado y centrado en la persona mayor, aunque su
incorporación requiere marcos regulatorios claros, formación profesional continua y validación
clínica rigurosa.
Palabras clave: Inteligencia artificial, fisioterapia, anciano, rehabilitación, tecnología
biomédica, calidad de vida
ABSTRACT: Demographic aging has increased the prevalence of functional limitations, falls,
and musculoskeletal and neurological disorders among the elderly population, leading to the
development of more precise, accessible, and personalized rehabilitation models. Artificial
intelligence (AI) has emerged as a tool capable of optimizing assessment, treatment, and
follow-up in physical therapy for the elderly. The aim of this study was to identify, through a
literature review, the main applications of artificial intelligence in geriatric physical therapy, as
well as the advances, limitations, and prospects it offers for improving the quality of life of older
adults. A narrative literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines,
and a search was performed in indexed databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science,
ScienceDirect, and SciELO), selecting articles published between 2016 and 2026, in Spanish and
English, that addressed the use of artificial intelligence in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and
geriatric health. It has been observed that machine learning and deep learning algorithms,
wearable sensors, robotic exoskeletons, telerehabilitation aided by artificial intelligence, and
gamified virtual reality improve the prediction of fall risk, diagnostic accuracy, treatment
adherence, and functional outcomes related to balance, gait, and mobility in the elderly
population, although most studies have methodological limitations and small sample sizes. The
findings are consistent with the international literature, which indicates that artificial
intelligence complements but does not replace the physical therapist’s clinical judgment;
addressing ethical, privacy, and digital literacy barriers is therefore essential. Artificial
intelligence is emerging as a promising tool for transforming geriatric physical therapy into a
more predictive, personalized, and older-adult-centered model, although its implementation
requires clear regulatory frameworks, continuing professional education, and rigorous clinical
validation.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, physical therapy, elderly, rehabilitation, biomedical
technology, quality of life
REVISTA POLITECNICA DE LA CIENCIA
179
+593 98 320 4362