Application of an Intelligently Integrated Digital Rehabilitation Model Combining mHealth and ERAS in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Application of an Intelligently Integrated Digital Rehabilitation Model Combining mHealth and ERAS in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Protocol
This study is a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a WeChat-based mini-program mobile health (mHealth) intervention combined with an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study will be conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from July 2025 to December 2025, approved by the Ethics Committee (SH9H-2025-021), and registered on a clinical trials platform.
The study population consists of adults scheduled for unilateral primary THA or TKA, aged 18-80 years, with basic smartphone proficiency. Exclusion criteria include revision surgery, bilateral surgery, severe cognitive impairment, or baseline depression. Using a block randomization method stratified by surgical site (hip vs. knee), eligible participants will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (ERAS + "Joint Rehabilitation Assistant" mini-program) or the control group (ERAS only). The control group receives standard ERAS management, while the intervention group additionally uses the theoretically-grounded mini-program (based on self-efficacy theory, health belief model, and learning theory), which provides personalized rehabilitation plans, progress tracking, community interaction, and emotional support.
The primary outcome is physical function (HOOS-PS/KOOS-PS) at 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include pain, psychological status, quality of life, and safety indicators. The calculated sample size is 70 patients per group (total 140), accounting for a 20% dropout rate. Statistical analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle, using linear mixed models to compare intergroup differences, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed. All outcome assessments will be conducted by blinded personnel to ensure data quality.
This protocol aims to validate the effectiveness and safety of the integrated digital rehabilitation model in improving functional recovery and quality of life, providing evidence-based support for post-arthroplasty rehabilitation
Inclusion Criteria:
Physical Status: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I-III.
Digital Literacy: Confirmed ability to use a smartphone via a standardized digital literacy test.
Compliance: Willing and able to adhere to the study protocol.
Exclusion Criteria:
Arthritis Type: Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Psychological Status: Presence of depressive state at baseline (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression subscale score ≥15).