Web-Based Physiotherapy Following Knee Arthroscopy

Web-Based Physiotherapy Following Knee Arthroscopy

Web-based physiotherapy might improve care following knee arthroscopy. For this study half of the participants will receive usual care (printed leaflet) and half will receive 6 weeks of web-based physiotherapy.

Despite its minimally invasive nature, studies have shown that patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy have pain, effusion, loss of range of motion, functional, neuromuscular and biomechanical changes, loss of quadriceps muscle strength, and a reduced quality of life (Durand et al.,1993;Goodwin and Morrissey,2003; Glatthorn et al.,2010). With changes in service delivery patients following arthroscopy only receive a printed leaflet. Web-based physiotherapy may offer offer cost effective support to patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is to undertake a single blind, randomised controlled pilot study examining the effectiveness of a six week web-based physiotherapy programme compared to usual care alone, for people following knee arthroscopy and to gather essential information for the planning of a definitive trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have undergone Knee Arthroscopy surgery.
• Access to a personal computer/tablet or smart phone with an email address and internet connection
• Be able to understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infection or other post-operative complications
• Other significant co-morbidities for which exercise is contra-indicated
• Unwilling to be randomised to intervention/control group
• Taking part in another research project