Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring in Sports Medicine: Current Applications, Diagnostic Potential and Future Directions

Abstract

Background Telemedicine and remote physiological monitoring are increasingly used in sports medicine, but their clinical value, limitations, and integration into decision making processes remain insufficiently defined. Aims To provide a structured analysis of telemedicine and remote monitoring in sports medicine, focusing on clinical applications, diagnostic potential and limitations, interpretation of remote data within clinical decision making, and organisational and ethical conditions for their implementation. Methods A narrative review of literature published between 2010 and 2026 was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, along with clinical guidelines and regulatory documents. The search was performed using predefined keyword combinations related to sports medicine, telemedicine, and remote monitoring. Records were screened in two stages based on titles and abstracts followed by full text assessment. Sources were selected according to clinical relevance, methodological transparency, and applicability to sports medicine practice. No formal assessment of study quality or risk of bias was performed. Results Telemedicine and remote monitoring are applied in injury assessment, rehabilitation, and return to play management, improving access and continuity of care when integrated into structured clinical pathways. However, evidence for clinical outcomes remains limited and heterogeneous. The diagnostic value of wearable derived data is constrained by variability, measurement artefacts, and lack of standardised interpretation models. Remote data contribute to clinical decision making primarily when interpreted within trend based and context dependent frameworks, while isolated parameters have limited clinical relevance and may lead to misinterpretation. Errors in interpretation may result in inappropriate load management, missed clinical deterioration, or unnecessary restriction of activity. Organisational factors, including interoperability, data governance, and regulatory frameworks, are key determinants of implementation and directly influence data availability, consistency of decisions, and continuity of care. Ethical and data protection considerations affect not only compliance but also the reliability of clinical information, as concerns regarding confidentiality may influence data reporting, adherence, and the accuracy of clinical assessment. Conclusions: Telemedicine and remote monitoring can support clinical decision making in sports medicine when embedded in structured pathways with clear protocols and governance. Their clinical utility is limited by variability in evidence, risks of misinterpretation, and lack of validated thresholds. Remote formats are associated with potential clinical errors, including underestimation of injury severity, missed complications, and inappropriate load management decisions. Effective use requires integration with clinical judgement, hybrid care models, and organisational frameworks that prioritise data quality, ethical use, and patient safety.

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