Development and feasibility testing of a smartphone video-based exercise program for patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Telerehabilitation has been recommended as a potential solution to bridge service delivery gap, especially in geographically remote areas with shortage of healthcare personnel and lack of access to physical therapy. This study was aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a smartphone video-based exercise program (VBEP) for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This two-phase study involved the development and feasibility testing stages. A three-round modified Delphi approach was employed in the development phase involving a panel of four experts and a patient with knee OA. Based on consensus, five types of exercises comprising seated knee flexion and extension, quadriceps isometric setting, quadriceps strengthening exercise, hamstring clenches, and wall squats were developed into a video-program for knee OA. 15 consenting patients with knee OA participated in the feasibility testing of the program after 2 weeks of utilization. Feasibility of the VBEP was assessed using system usability scale and user experience questionnaire, respectively. The quadruple visual analog scale was used to assess the pain intensity. Results: The mean age and pain intensity of the participants were 67.3 ± 6.4 years and 61.1 ± 10.6, respectively. User perceived usability of the VBEP was 77.1 ± 13.1 (out of 100) with a high usability rating of 86.7%. Pragmatic quality score, hedonic quality rating, attractiveness, and perspicuity were 2.2 (out of 3.0), 1.6 (out of 3.0), 2.4 (out of 3.0), and 3.0 (out of 3.0), respectively. Efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty scores were 2.3 (out of 3.0), 1.8 (out of 3.0), 2.3 (out of 3.0), and 1.0 (out of 3.0), respectively. Conclusions: The VBEP for knee OA has high usability and quality rating, as well as good user experience, and it may be a feasible alternative platform for rehabilitation of patients with knee OA.