JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, affecting millions of adults worldwide, especially those over 60. As a leading cause of disability, KOA significantly impacts quality of life. Traditional treatments, including physical therapy and medication, often face barriers related to accessibility, particularly for patients in remote locations or those with limited mobility. Telerehabilitation, which uses digital platforms to deliver therapeutic interventions remotely, has emerged as a promising alternative for managing KOA, offering convenience and continuous care.

Objective:

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in managing pain, strength, and balance in adult patients with knee osteoarthritis. By comparing telerehabilitation with traditional in-person rehabilitation, the review seeks to assess its potential for improving clinical outcomes and its viability as a mainstream treatment option for KOA.

Methods:

The review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impact of telerehabilitation on KOA management. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, and Scopus. Eligible studies included adult participants with KOA and compared telerehabilitation interventions with standard rehabilitation methods. The outcomes measured were pain, strength, and balance, assessed using validated tools. Two independent reviewers screened the studies and extracted data, with the quality of the studies assessed using the PEDro scale and the Downs and Black checklist

Results:

Six RCTs involving 581 participants were included in the review. The studies consistently demonstrated that telerehabilitation significantly reduced pain, with patients reporting improvements on scales such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The effects of telerehabilitation on strength and balance were more varied. Some studies showed significant improvements, particularly in lower body strength and postural balance, while others reported no substantial differences compared to traditional rehabilitation. These discrepancies were likely due to differences in the intervention protocols, patient engagement, and intensity of the rehabilitation programs.

Conclusions:

Telerehabilitation offers an effective solution for managing knee osteoarthritis, particularly in reducing pain. It presents a viable alternative to in-person therapy, providing flexibility and accessibility for patients who face barriers to traditional rehabilitation. However, its impact on strength and balance needs further investigation to ensure consistency in outcomes. The results suggest that telerehabilitation could be integrated into standard physiotherapy practice, especially for patients who may benefit from remote care. Clinical Trial: The a priori protocol for the review is published in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42024564141.