The Effect of Hybrid Tele-rehabilitation Versus In Person Rehabilitation on Pain and Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

The Effect of Hybrid Tele-rehabilitation Versus Standard Rehabilitation in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

People with knee osteoarthritis often need regular physiotherapy sessions to reduce pain and improve movement. Attendance of in-person sessions can be difficult because of travel and time. This study aims to learn if combining in-person and video sessions using Zoom works for people with knee osteoarthritis. The main questions it aims to answer are :

• Does combining in-person and video sessions improve pain and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis?
• Does combining in-person and video sessions improve adherence to the exercise program?
• Are people satisfied with video sessions using Zoom?

The researchers will compare the use of one in-person session and one video session per week to the standard care of two in-person sessions per week.

Participants will :

• Attend either (one in-person and one video session per week) or (two in-person sessions per week) for 8 weeks.
• Perform exercise program that suits their needs during in-person and video sessions.
• Record the number of attended sessions over 8 weeks.
• Complete questionnaires about pain, physical function at the start and the end of the study.
• Complete questionnaire about usability and satisfaction at the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
• Age 40 to 80 years old.
• Body Mass Index < 34 kg/m2.
• Numeric pain rating scale > 4 out of 10.
• Pain for more than 3 months.
• Morning stiffness lasting < 30 minutes (standard clinical criteria of knee osteoarthritis)
• Pain and crepitus with active motion (e.g., walking, sit to stand, stair climbing) (standard clinical criteria of knee osteoarthritis)
• Access to the device with an internet connection.
• Ability to use electronic devices or smart phones.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe knee osteoarthritis and limited mobility or bonded to a wheelchair.
• Body Mass Index > 34 kg/m2
• On a waiting list for hip or knee surgery.
• Undergoing other forms of rehabilitation.
• Previous knee arthroplasty.
• Recent knee surgery within 6 months.
• Received cortisone injection within the previous 30 days.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral knee morning stiffness > 30 minutes.
• Unstable medical conditions.