Development and Testing of a Tele-rehabilitation System for Adult Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF WEST ATTICA · May 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different ways to help adults with knee osteoarthritis, a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the knee. The researchers want to see if a new tele-rehabilitation program, which allows patients to do exercises at home with real-time guidance and feedback, is as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy sessions. Both groups of participants—one receiving in-person treatment and the other using the tele-rehabilitation system—will follow a structured exercise program twice a week for eight weeks. The effectiveness of each method will be measured before and after the program, as well as three months later.

To participate in this study, individuals need to be between 40 and 70 years old and have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis that falls within specific grades. They should also be in good overall health and able to understand Greek. However, those who have recently engaged in certain exercise or therapy programs for knee issues, or who have had knee surgery in the last three years, may not be eligible. Participants can expect to receive personalized exercise guidance tailored to their needs, whether they are attending in-person sessions or using the tele-rehabilitation system. The goal is to find out if remote rehabilitation can be just as effective, or even more so, than traditional methods, making it easier for patients to manage their condition from home.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 40-70
• • 2. Ability to provide consent and good knowledge of the Greek language
• • 3. Diagnosed, radiographically and by an orthopedic doctor, knee osteoarthritis grade 1-3, according to Kellgren and Lawrence classification system of osteoarthritis
• • 4. Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and good general health
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participation in a systematic exercise program in the previous three months for the same problem
• • 2. Participation in a physical therapy program in the previous three months for the same problem
• • 3. Previous knee surgery within last three years
• • 4. Medical contraindication to exercise
• • 5. Systemic diseases or autoimmune in the acute phase of symptoms
• • 6. Underlying severe neurological disease
• • 7. Cognitive disability → inability to communicate
• • 8. Red Flags (eg fractures (osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic), rapidly unexplained decrease in muscle strength, cardiorespiratory problems, etc.)
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