A Sensor-Augmented Telerehabilitation System for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Neuromuscular, Functional, and Psychosocial Outcomes
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition associated with pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a scalable intervention, yet many platforms lack neuromuscular feedback or objective-monitoring capabilities. The KneE-PAD system uniquely integrates electromyographic and inertial sensing to provide personalized feedback and remote performance tracking. Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a sensor-augmented telerehabilitation system (KneE-PAD) compared to conventional face-to-face physiotherapy in older adults with mild-to-moderate knee OA. Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 42 older adults (mean age 68.4 ± 5.7 years) were randomly assigned to either KneE-PAD telerehabilitation or conventional physiotherapy for eight weeks. KneE-PAD sessions incorporated real-time electromyographic and motion feedback, while physiotherapists remotely supervised training. Assessments were performed at baseline, post-intervention, and 12-week follow-up. Primary outcomes included quadriceps strength, neuromuscular activation, and WOMAC scores. Secondary outcomes covered functional mobility, psychological distress, self-efficacy, and fear of movement. Results: The telerehabilitation group demonstrated notable improvements in neuromuscular activation, quadriceps strength, and functional capacity, all exceeding clinically meaningful thresholds. Functional mobility and pain…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 42 participants or records.
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