The Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based Exercise and Education on Pain, Function, Strength, Proprioception and Psychosocial Parameters in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective In middle-aged individuals with early-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA), follow-up with remote rehabilitation methods may provide effective clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of telerehabilitation (TR) on pain, function, performance, strength, proprioception, and psychosocial parameters in patients with knee OA. Design A randomized controlled study was conducted with 54 participants with knee OA. All patients were randomized into two groups: the home-based telerehabilitation group (TRG) (n = 29) and the home-based paper group (PG) (n = 28). The home exercise program and training were provided with an instruction manual to PG. The same home exercise and education prescriptions were given to individuals in TRG via an online platform. Pain, function, quality of life, physical performance, muscle strength, and proprioception were evaluated at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention. In addition, satisfaction and usability were evaluated at week 8. Results TRG demonstrated better improvement in terms of pain, function, quality of life index score, and left extremity proprioception (p < 0.05). TRG was not superior to PG in terms of muscle strength and performance tests (except the Five Times Sit to Stand Test) (p > 0.05). Conclusions The home-based TR program was superior to the home-based PG program for pain, function, quality of life, and proprioception in patients with knee OA.