Abstract
Postoperative home-based rehabilitation programs are essential for facilitating functional recovery after total knee replacement (TKA). This study aimed to verify the feasibility of applying a wearable motion sensor device (MSD) to assist patients in performing home-based exercises after TKA. The interrater reliability of the measurement for knee mobility and the time spent completing the 5-times sit-to-stand test (5TSST) by two experienced physicians and using the MSD in 12 healthy participants was first assessed. A prospective control trial was then conducted, in which 12 patients following TKA were allocated to two groups: the home-based exercise group and the MSD-assisted rehabilitation group. Changes in knee range of motion, pain, functional score, performance, and exercise completion rates were compared between the groups over two months of follow-up. MSD-measured knee mobility and 5TSST exhibited excellent reliability compared with the physician measurements. Furthermore, patients in the MSD-assisted rehabilitation group reported higher training compliance than participants in the home-based exercise group, which led to better outcomes in the knee extension angle and maximal and average angular velocity in 5TSST. MSD-assisted home-based rehabilitation following TKA is a feasible treatment model for telerehabilitation because it enhances patients’ compliance to training, which improves functional recovery.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee refers to the wear of knee joint cartilage, causing pain and a limited range of motion (ROM) among patients
This study proved that wearable Inertial measurement units (IMUs)-based sensors can be used to trace the knee angular motion with acceptable reliability
The application of a wearable motion sensor device in combination with interactive mobile apps is promising in the post-total knee replacement (TKA) telerehabilitation scenario
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee refers to the wear of knee joint cartilage, causing pain and a limited range of motion (ROM) among patients. The rates of TKA have doubled in the United States in recent years, with advances in the technique and prosthesis design indicating an increasing demand for healthcare financing and postoperative clinical management [4]. Physiotherapy, such as hospital-based rehabilitation [5], outpatient-guided physical therapy [6], or cross-team multidisciplinary rehabilitation [7], is effective for alleviating postoperative discomfort and accelerating functional recovery in patients after TKA [8,9]. In-home exercise programs are accessible self-training programs that can be performed by patients, and they have similar effectiveness to inpatient rehabilitation programs following TKA [12]. Developing more reliable methods to maximize the effectiveness of home-based physiotherapy remains challenging
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