A Scoping Review on Artificial Intelligence-Supported Interventions for Nonpharmacologic Management of Chronic Rheumatic Diseases.

Abstract

This review summarizes artificial intelligence (AI)-supported nonpharmacological interventions for adults with chronic rheumatic diseases, detailing their components, purpose, and current evidence base. We searched Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases for studies describing AI-supported interventions for adults with chronic rheumatic diseases. Eligible interventions targeted clinical outcomes (pain, function, disability, fatigue), psychological measures (depression, anxiety), or behavioral outcomes (physical activity, nutrition). All publication types (journal articles, conference abstracts, protocols) published in the English language until January 19, 2025, were considered, and interventions of any duration, frequency, country of origin, or setting (inpatient, outpatient, community, home setting) were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, and one extracted data on study characteristics, intervention components, AI methodologies, and outcomes. Fifteen AI-supported interventions were identified, primarily targeting osteoarthritis (73%) and focusing on education and exercise advice (67%). The most common AI tool was rule-based expert systems (40%), followed by natural language processing systems (33%) and machine learning algorithms (27%). The interventions ranged from 3 weeks to 12 months, whereas sample sizes ranged from 7 to 427 participants, reflecting huge variability across studies. Most interventions demonstrated high usability, engagement, and adherence. Improvements in exercise compliance, physical activity, and symptoms, such as pain and physical function, were reported, though effects varied across studies and were sometimes not sustained long term. AI-supported interventions show promise in promoting education, exercise, and behavioral guidance for adults with chronic rheumatic diseases. There is evidence for high usability and engagement, but the clinical impact on long-term symptom management is uncertain.