Effect of Home‐based Telerehabilitation on the Postoperative Rehabilitation Outcome of Hip Fracture in the Aging Population

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of home‐based telerehabilitation based on the Internet‐based rehabilitation management system on hip function, activities of daily living and somatic integrative ability of elderly postoperative hip fracture patients. Methods From June 2020 to November 2020, we recruited 58 elderly postoperative hip fracture patients and randomly assigned them to the telephone group ( n = 29) and the telerehabilitation group ( n = 29). Both groups received routine discharge instructions, and the former received telephone follow‐up after discharge, while the latter received remote rehabilitation based on the Internet‐based rehabilitation management system. The Harris hip score (HHS), functional independence measure (FIM), timed up‐and‐go test (TUG), and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were used to evaluate the patients' hip function, activities of daily living, and overall somatic ability. Results There was no significant difference between the baseline data of the two groups before the intervention ( P > 0.05); no matter after hip replacement or internal fixation, the HHS score and FIM score of both groups increased gradually with the postoperative time, and the scores in the telerehabilitation group were higher than those in the telephone group at 1 and 3 months after the intervention, and the difference was significant ( P < 0.05); for patients after hip replacement, the TUG and SPPB scores in the telerehabilitation group were better than those in the telephone group at 3 months after the intervention, and the difference was significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The Internet‐based rehabilitation management system applied to postoperative home rehabilitation of elderly hip fracture patients can improve the functional recovery of the hip joint and enhance the ability to perform activities of daily living and somatic integration to a certain extent. This seems to provide an effective option for conducting home rehabilitation.

Telerehabilitation After Hip-Fracture Surgery

“…The study showed that HAT was feasible, safe, and effective for use in home-based rehabilitation of older adults after hip fractures. In the study conducted by Zhang et al, the effectiveness of telephone and telerehabilitation was compared [15]. They confirmed the improvement of functional recovery of hip fractures thus enhancing the ability to perform activities of daily living and somatic integration by the Internet-based rehabilitation management system applied to postoperative home rehabilitation of hip fractures [15].…”

“…In the study conducted by Zhang et al, the effectiveness of telephone and telerehabilitation was compared [15]. They confirmed the improvement of functional recovery of hip fractures thus enhancing the ability to perform activities of daily living and somatic integration by the Internet-based rehabilitation management system applied to postoperative home rehabilitation of hip fractures [15]. Another study comparing the efficacy of telephone and telerehabilitation groups is by Wu et al [16].…”

Clinical Effectiveness of Home‐Based Telerehabilitation Program for Geriatric Hip Fracture Following Total Hip Replacement

“…Our research group has developed the family‐oriented postoperative rehabilitation management system for geriatric hip fracture (referred to as the “rehabilitation management system”). In our previous study 14 we had proved that this system can enhance the ability to perform activities of daily living and somatic integration in the postoperative rehabilitation of hip fracture patients. However, in the operation of hip fracture, total hip arthroplasty has longer operation time and more blood loss, which is easy to cause postoperative complications.…”

“…This experiment not only focuses on the rehabilitation of limb function but also on the psychological function and postoperative complications of patients. On the basis of our previous study, 14 we increased the follow‐up time to reflect the rehabilitation effect for a longer time. The following were the aims of this: (i) to investigate the therapeutic effect of home‐based telerehabilitation on postoperative hip function and functional independence; (ii) to determine whether home‐based telerehabilitation can effectively relieve psychological anxiety; and (iii) to analyze the effect of rehabilitation management system on preventing postoperative complications.…”

ActiveHip+: A feasible mHealth system for the recovery of older adults after hip surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…[22][23][24][25] Despite the existence of evidence supporting the use of digital tools after hip surgery, [26][27][28][29] to the best of our knowledge, there are just a few mHealth interventions for this population. [30][31][32][33][34] It is important to develop new mHealth interventions to provide a comprehensive tele-rehabilitation program, focussing not only on rehabilitation but also on secondary fracture prevention. Thus, we developed the ActiveHip+ mHealth system as an alternative for those older adults who cannot access to in-person rehabilitation.…”