This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in managing pain,
strength, and balance in adult patients with knee osteoarthritis. By comparing telerehabilitation with
traditional in-person rehabilitation, the review seeks to assess its potential for improving clinical
outcomes and its viability as a mainstream treatment option for KOA.
The review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impact of
telerehabilitation on KOA management. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such
as PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, and Scopus. Eligible studies included adult participants with KOA and
compared telerehabilitation interventions with standard rehabilitation methods. The outcomes
measured were pain, strength, and balance, assessed using validated tools. Two independent reviewers
screened the studies and extracted data, with the quality of the studies assessed using the PEDro scale
and the Downs and Black checklist.
Six RCTs involving 581 participants were included in the review. The studies consistently
demonstrated that telerehabilitation significantly reduced pain, with patients reporting improvements
on scales such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and
the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The effects of telerehabilitation on strength and balance were more
varied. Some studies showed significant improvements, particularly in lower body strength and postural
balance, while others reported no substantial differences compared to traditional rehabilitation. These
discrepancies were likely due to differences in the intervention protocols, patient engagement, and
intensity of the rehabilitation programs.
Telerehabilitation offers an effective solution for managing knee osteoarthritis, particularly in reducing
pain. It presents a viable alternative to in-person therapy, providing flexibility and accessibility for
patients who face barriers to traditional rehabilitation. However, its impact on strength and balance
needs further investigation to ensure consistency in outcomes. The results suggest that
telerehabilitation could be integrated into standard physiotherapy practice, especially for patients who
may benefit from remote care.
The findings highlight the potential of telerehabilitation to revolutionize the management of KOA by
providing an accessible and patient-centered approach to rehabilitation. It enables physiotherapists to
deliver continuous care remotely, increasing patient engagement and adherence to rehabilitation
programs. As the demand for remote healthcare solutions grows, integrating telerehabilitation into
routine clinical practice could improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of KOA, particularly
in underserved populations. Further research is needed to optimize telerehabilitation protocols and
expand its use in physiotherapy.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Managing Pain,
