A chatbot tool on a smart mobile device to promote adherence to home rehabilitation after total knee replacement: A randomized controlled trial.

In 30 seconds

This two-arm randomized controlled trial at a university hospital in Valencia, Spain, assessed whether chatbot-supervised home rehabilitation improved adherence and outcomes after total knee replacement. Ninety-one participants were assigned to chatbot-supported rehabilitation or standard care. Within three months after surgery, adherence was 89% (SD 31%) in the chatbot group and 74% (SD 52%) in the control group. The abstract also reports between-group differences in functionality, but no significant differences in knee range of motion or pain. The findings support improved adherence and functional outcomes, without evidence of pain relief.

Key findings

• Adherence was 89% (SD 31%) with chatbot support versus 74% (SD 52%) with standard care.
• Between-group differences were reported for functionality on the WOMAC (-2; IQR - 7 to 4) and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (-0.6; IQR - 2.9 to 1.7).
• No significant between-group differences were observed in knee range of motion or visual analogue pain scores.
• System Usability Scale scores were 80.4 (SD 36.6; range 49-100).

Why it matters

Adherence to prescribed home rehabilitation is a relevant early recovery outcome after knee replacement. This trial suggests that automated chatbot supervision may help patients complete more sessions and may be associated with functional benefits. The absence of observed pain or range-of-motion differences indicates that benefits were not consistent across all measured outcomes.

What to keep in mind

The abstract reports outcomes within three months after surgery, so longer-term effects are not established. It does not provide detailed between-group estimates or significance levels for the functional outcomes.