An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing a tele-rehabilitation program with wearable technology to conventional face-to-face physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Access to face-to-face physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is often limited by logistical barriers. This study compared a tele-rehabilitation program integrating video-conferencing and wearable motion sensors with conventional physiotherapy.
METHODS
Thirty-five participants with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren - Lawrence grades II - III) were randomized to a tele-rehabilitation group used a wearable sensor (n = 16) or conventional group (n = 19) attended face-to-face sessions. Both groups underwent a 12-week exercise program.
RESULTS
Both groups improved significantly over time in Numeric Pain Rating Scale score (end-intervention: B = -1.05, p = .003, 3-month follow-up: B = -1.15, p = .001, and 6-month follow-up: B = -0.97, p = .015), Patient-Specific Functional Scale score (end-intervention: B = 1.37, p .192).
CONCLUSION
Tele-rehabilitation supported by wearable technology achieved outcomes comparable to conventional physiotherapy and may represent a viable alternative for delivering knee OA rehabilitation.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 19 participants or records.
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