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.
Congcong Cai, Poh Gek Tiang, Amanda Ng et al.
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In 30 seconds
This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial compared a 12-week tele-rehabilitation exercise program using video-conferencing and wearable motion sensors with face-to-face physiotherapy in 35 participants with radiographic knee osteoarthritis, Kellgren–Lawrence grades II–III. Both groups improved in pain, patient-specific function, chair-stand performance and most symptom measures. There were no significant time-by-group interactions (p > .192), indicating no detected difference in improvement between delivery approaches. The authors concluded that wearable-supported tele-rehabilitation achieved outcomes comparable to conventional physiotherapy.
Key findings
- Pain scores improved in both groups at intervention end and 3- and 6-month follow-up; no significant time-by-group interaction was found (p > .192).
- Patient-Specific Functional Scale scores improved at intervention end (B = 1.37, p < .001), 3 months (B = 1.83, p < .001) and 6 months (B = 2.06, p < .001).
- Both groups improved on the 30-second Chair Stand Test at intervention end (B = 2.08, p = .001) and on most KOOS symptom measures (B = -1.03 to -0.50, p < .042).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that exercise-based knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation can be delivered remotely with wearable motion-sensor support while achieving outcomes similar to face-to-face physiotherapy in this trial. This is relevant where logistical barriers limit access to in-person sessions, although the study does not establish that remote delivery is preferable or equivalent in every setting or patient group.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 35 participants with radiographic knee osteoarthritis grades II–III, limiting how broadly its findings can be generalized.