JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Telemedical approaches can contribute to the stabilization of rehabilitation success regardless of location and time.

Objective:

Aim of the study was to investigate a specific three-month interactive telemedical movement therapy with regard to effectiveness in function and return to work compared to usual aftercare.

Methods:

From 08/2016 to 12/2017, 111 patients (54.9±6.8 years, 54.3% female) with hip or knee replacement were enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. At discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and after three months, the distance in the 6-minute-walk-test was assessed as the primary endpoint. Other functional parameters, health related quality of life, pain and return to work were secondary endpoints.

Results:

Patients of the intervention group performed telerehabilitation 55.0±9.2 min per week. The adherence was high with over 75% until the 7th week of the 3-month intervention phase. Almost all of the patients and therapists used the communication offers. Both groups increased the distance in the 6-minute-walk-test (intervention group Δ88.3±57.7m, control group Δ79.6±48.7m, p=0.951). Improvements in other functional parameters as well as in quality of life and pain were achieved in both groups. The higher proportion of working patients in the intervention group is of particular note (64.6% vs. 46.2%, p=0.014).

Conclusions:

The effect of the investigated telerehabilitation in patients after knee or hip replacement was equivalent to usual aftercare in terms of functional testing, quality of life and pain. Since a significantly higher return to work rate could be achieved, this therapy seems to be a promising supplement to established aftercare. Clinical Trial: The study was registered in the German Register of Clinical Trials (ID DRKS00010009)