Prospective, Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Digital Exercise Therapy Application Compared With Conventional Physical Therapy for the Treatment of Nonoperative Knee Conditions

Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2021.100151 · Published: January 1, 2021

Orthopedics Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to see if using a digital exercise app (DETA) could help people with knee pain as much as going to regular physical therapy (PT). The researchers wanted to know if the app could improve pain and how well people could move. Participants were split into two groups: one used the app at home, and the other went to regular PT sessions. Both groups were checked to see how much their pain and movement improved over eight weeks. The results showed that people using the app had more improvement in both pain and movement compared to those who went to regular PT. The app might be a good option for some people with knee pain.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

60 participants with nonoperative knee conditions

Evidence Level

Level 1, Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
The DETA group reported significant decreases in PROMIS-PI scores compared to the PT group.
2
The DETA group experienced a significantly greater increase in PROMIS-PF scores than the PT group.
3
No significant difference in adherence to therapy was observed between the DETA and PT groups.

Research Summary

This study compared the effectiveness of a digital exercise therapy application (DETA) with conventional physical therapy (PT) for treating nonoperative knee conditions. The results indicated that the DETA group had greater improvements in pain and physical function compared to the PT group after 8 weeks. The study suggests that a DETA can be a viable alternative to standard PT for the treatment of nonoperative knee conditions, although further research is needed.

Practical Implications

Alternative Treatment Option

Digital exercise therapy applications can serve as an alternative to conventional physical therapy for nonoperative knee conditions, potentially increasing access to care.

Improved Patient Outcomes

The use of DETAs may lead to greater improvements in pain and physical function compared to traditional physical therapy methods.

Home-Based Rehabilitation

DETAs facilitate home-based rehabilitation, allowing individuals to manage their condition from the comfort of their own homes.

Study Limitations

1
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may have affected some participants’ ability to complete their in-person PT episode.
2
The interventions and exercises performed in clinic and at home by members of the control group were not controlled in this study.
3
Participants were not blinded and outcomes were self-report, which may have introduced bias despite blinding of the treating physician.

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