Author: Arvind Tak and Girish Baldha
This study seeks to assess and compare the impacts of telerehabilitation and home-based exercise programs on individuals diagnosed with moderate/mild knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Patients meeting the criteria for moderate/mild KOA were included in the study and randomly assigned to two groups. The telerehabilitation group engaged in guided exercises through video conferences with a physiotherapist, whereas the control group received a brochure illustrating the exercises. Participants underwent assessments using the 30-s chair stand test (30 CST), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at two points in time—before and after an 8-week treatment period. Additionally, the quantity of painkillers consumed by patients within the last 15 days was documented both before and after the treatment.
Telerehabilitation, Knee, Osteoarthritis, Depression, Injury, Anxiety
This study suggests that telerehabilitation surpasses self-management in effectiveness. Utilizing an innovative and tailored web-based approach for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) extends the reach to a significant number of patients with internet access, ensuring the delivery of effective treatment. Subsequent research endeavors should concentrate on refining and broadening the application of telerehabilitation for the management of KOA.
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Arvind Tak and Girish Baldha (2023). The Impact of Telerehabilitation on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comparative Study. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 836-839.