Sensory Neuroprosthetics and Multimodal Cues in Neurorehabilitation

Sensory neuroprosthetics and multimodal cues are rapidly advancing fields at the intersection of neuroscience, rehabilitation, and assistive technology. Individuals with neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy often experience motor impairments, balance difficulties, and chronic pain. Traditional neurorehabilitation methods—primarily physical and occupational therapy—struggle to fully restore motor and sensory functions. Over the last two decades, emerging approaches using auditory, visual, and haptic feedback, alongside virtual reality and rhythmic cueing, have demonstrated great promise in promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing functional recovery. As these technological innovations become more refined and accessible, they offer exciting new opportunities for personalized, effective rehabilitation strategies.

Despite significant progress, rehabilitation following neurological injury or disease remains a global challenge as conventional therapies often cannot address the full spectrum of motor and sensory deficits. Recent research indicates that integrating sensory neuroprosthetics—such as wearable feedback devices, immersive VR/AR systems, and robotic aids—with multimodal stimulation can significantly improve motor control, postural stability, and pain management. However, the clinical adoption of these approaches remains limited, and there is a clear need to compile and synthesize the growing body of evidence supporting their efficacy. This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and clinical practice by consolidating emerging research, identifying best practices, and evaluating therapeutic outcomes. By doing so, we strive to lay the groundwork for the development and wider implementation of evidence-based, accessible, and personalized rehabilitation interventions that can optimize recovery and improve quality of life for individuals with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

We invite contributions exploring the mechanisms, applications, and clinical effectiveness of sensory neuroprosthetics and multimodal cues in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, neuroplasticity, motor learning, multimodal cue integration, wearable sensors, VR/AR-based interventions, rhythmic auditory stimulation, and combined approaches targeting both motor and cognitive domains. We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and perspectives that address technological innovation, therapeutic strategies, and clinical outcomes. By assembling diverse research from rehabilitation science, neuroscience, and pain research, this topic seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the translation of novel sensory technologies into evidence-based clinical practice.