An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing a tele-rehabilitation program with wearable technology to conventional face-to-face physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Access to face-to-face physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is often limited by logistical barriers. This study compared a tele-rehabilitation program integrating video-conferencing and wearable motion sensors with conventional physiotherapy.
Thirty-five participants with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren – Lawrence grades II – III) were randomized to a tele-rehabilitation group used a wearable sensor (n = 16) or conventional group (n = 19) attended face-to-face sessions. Both groups underwent a 12-week exercise program.
Both groups improved significantly over time in Numeric Pain Rating Scale score (end-intervention: B = -1.05, p = .003, 3-month follow-up: B = -1.15, p = .001, and 6-month follow-up: B = -0.97, p = .015), Patient-Specific Functional Scale score (end-intervention: B = 1.37, p < .001, 3-month follow-up: B = 1.83, p < .001, and 6-month follow-up: B = 2.06, p < .001), 30-second Chair Stand Test (end-intervention: B = 2.08, p = .001) and most of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (symptoms) (B = -1.03 to −0.50, p < .042) with no significant time × group interactions (p > .192).
Tele-rehabilitation supported by wearable technology achieved outcomes comparable to conventional physiotherapy and may represent a viable alternative for delivering knee OA rehabilitation.