This paper is in the following e-collection/theme issue:

Biomedical Engineering Reviews (12) Telehealth and Telemonitoring (1671) Wearable Devices and Sensors (888) Innovations in Exercise Rehabilitation (213) Telerehabilitation (159)

Published on in Vol 5, No 1 (2020): Jan-Dec

Preprints (earlier versions) of this paper are available at https://preprints.jmir.org/preprint/16991, first published .
Telerehabilitation for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Focused Review of Technologies and Teleservices

Telerehabilitation for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Focused Review of Technologies and Teleservices

Telerehabilitation for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Focused Review of Technologies and Teleservices

Authors of this article:

MReza Naeemabadi1 Author Orcid Image ;   Hesam Fazlali2 Author Orcid Image ;   Samira Najafi3 Author Orcid Image ;   Birthe Dinesen1 Author Orcid Image ;   John Hansen4 Author Orcid Image
Article Authors Cited by (16) Tweetations (1) Metrics

    Original Paper

    1Laboratory of Welfare Technologies - Telehealth and Telerehabilitation, Integrative Neuroscience Research Group, Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    2Kinesiology Research Center, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

    3Department of Treatment Affairs, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

    4Laboratory for Cardio-Technology, Medical Informatics Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

    *these authors contributed equally

    Corresponding Author:

    MReza Naeemabadi, MSc, BME

    Laboratory of Welfare Technologies - Telehealth and Telerehabilitation, Integrative Neuroscience Research Group, Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction

    Department of Health Science and Technology

    Aalborg University

    Fredrik Bejars Vej 7D

    Aalborg, 9220

    Denmark

    Phone: 45 71348333

    Email: mr.naeemabadi@gmail.com


    Background: Telerehabilitation programs are designed with the aim of improving the quality of services as well as overcoming existing limitations in terms of resource management and accessibility of services. This review will collect recent studies investigating telerehabilitation programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis while focusing on the technologies and services provided in the programs.

    Objective: The main objective of this review is to identify and discuss the modes of service delivery and technologies in telerehabilitation programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The gaps, strengths, and weaknesses of programs will be discussed individually.

    Methods: Studies published in English since 2000 were retrieved from the EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and PsycINFO databases. The search words “telerehabilitation,” “telehealth,” “telemedicine,” “teletherapy,” and “ehealth” were combined with “knee” and “rehabilitation” to generate a data set of studies for screening and review. The final group of studies reviewed here includes those that implemented teletreatment for patients for at least 2 weeks of rehabilitation.

    Results: In total, 1198 studies were screened, and the full text of 154 studies was reviewed. Of these, 38 studies were included, and data were extracted accordingly. Four modes of telerehabilitation service delivery were identified: phone-based, video-based, sensor-based, and expert system–based telerehabilitation. The intervention services provided in the studies included information, training, communication, monitoring, and tracking. Video-based telerehabilitation programs were frequently used. Among the identified services, information and educational material were introduced in only one-quarter of the studies.

    Conclusions: Video-based telerehabilitation programs can be considered the best alternative solution to conventional treatment. This study shows that, in recent years, sensor-based solutions have also become more popular due to rapid developments in sensor technology. Nevertheless, communication and human-generated feedback remain as important as monitoring and intervention services.

    JMIR Biomed Eng 2020;5(1):e16991

    doi:10.2196/16991

    Keywords

    telemedicine; telerehabilitation; communication technologies; knee osteoarthritis; total knee replacement 


    Osteoarthritis and chronic musculoskeletal disorders are considered the second most frequent medical condition and are the primary causes of physical disability and pain [1-4]. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) among seniors is estimated at 10% and 13% in men and women, respectively [5]. Moreover, it has been reported that symptomatic KOA has doubled among women and tripled among men in the past 20 years [6]. Previous studies indicate that postsurgical physical rehabilitation is a crucial component of the recovery process [7] and that exercises and education are frequently recommended for patients with KOA [8].

    Telecommunication technologies have been used to provide health care, monitoring, and rehabilitation services for patients who experience stroke [9], pulmonary disorders [10], COPD [11,12], dermatological disorders [13], oral diseases [14], and musculoskeletal conditions [15,16]. Such technologies have also been used for remote consultations [17]. Using internet access, early telehomecare programs were implemented as a substitute for home care visits, and user perception and satisfaction were assessed and reported to be high [18,19]. Russell [20] introduced telerehabilitation as a means of augmenting traditional rehabilitation by employing telecommunication technologies that would provide services such as assessment, education, intervention, and interview. Previous studies indicated that telerehabilitation programs can provide better clinical services in rural and remote communities compared with conventional therapy [21,22], as well as improve cost efficiency and resource management of the services [23-25] with high validity and reliability [26].

    Previous studies have noted that a telerehabilitation program for KOA not only improves patients’ quality of life [27] but also introduces a better functional recovery after arthroplasty in comparison to conventional therapy [28]. Sharareh et al [29] showed that providing a postoperative telerehabilitation program reduced the frequency of postoperative visits and increased patient satisfaction. Tousignant et al [30] and Chalupka et al [31] also indicated that home telerehabilitation enhanced accessibility to health care services and was as effective as conventional therapy.

    Russell divided the technologies used for telerehabilitation into image-based, sensor-based, virtual environment, and virtual reality telerehabilitation [32]. Real-time video conferences were extensively used in physical telerehabilitation [33-36]. Giantomassi et al [37] indicated that current video game technologies could be used in physical rehabilitation. Several telerehabilitation programs have been developed using the Microsoft Kinect sensor [38-41] and the Nintendo Wii board [42-45]. Wearable sensors were also proposed as a means to facilitate a telerehabilitation program and monitor patient performance [46]. Moreover, Strecher [47] remarked that health care services could be delivered using decision-making algorithms and expert systems [48] over the internet. Rini et al [49], using an expert system approach, adapted the face-to-face therapeutic intervention into an internet-based intervention. However, there is no clear vision of the strengths and weaknesses of each solution as well as the existing gaps and limitations of the presented solutions. In addition, there is a lack of focused reviews investigating the presented services as part of telerehabilitation programs.

    Therefore, the main objective of this review was to identify and discuss the modes of service delivery and technologies used as a telerehabilitation program for patients with KOA in recent studies. The gaps, strengths, and weaknesses of programs were discussed individually.


    Search Strategy

    The search strategy was designed to identify relevant literature regarding telerehabilitation solutions for KOA while focusing on the technologies and services of the programs [15,26,28,50]. The literature search used here investigated studies that had implemented and evaluated a telerehabilitation program for patients with KOA using an experimental study design. The EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and PsycINFO databases were searched. Searches were undertaken in March 2020, and comprised medical subject heading (MeSH) [51] terms and keyword search terms. The MeSH terms “telemedicine,” “rehabilitation,” and “knee” and keyword terms “telehealth,” “ehealth,” “teletherapy,” “telecare,” and “knee” were used. Moreover, both Telemedicine and e-Health and the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare were searched independently using knee rehabilitation key search terms.

    Research Question

    The research questions of this review are the following: (1) Which modes of service delivery were used to establish a telerehabilitation program for patients with KOA? (2) What services were introduced by these programs? (3) What are the strengths and weaknesses of each solution?

    Inclusion Criteria

    Original English-language studies published from January 2000 to January 2020 were included if they fit the eligibility criteria, which were based on the PICOS framework [52].

    Participants

    Studies with adult participants (aged 18 years and above) with KOA were included. The studies in which participants’ primary medical condition was not related to KOA (eg, stroke, upper limb disability, pulmonary disorders) were excluded.

    Intervention

    Only studies where telecommunication technology was employed as an interventional rehabilitation method in an experimental or observational study were included. The study intervention had to focus on knee pain management or knee rehabilitation for a period of at least two weeks via synchronous or asynchronous telerehabilitation (eg, phone, email, website report, videoconference, multimedia messages). Studies with insufficient technical explanations were excluded.

    Comparison

    All trials were included, whether they did or did not employ a control group.

    Study Design

    Any randomized controlled trial (RCT), quasi-RCT, non-RCT, controlled clinical trial, and pilot study designs, regardless of the blinding of the assessor, were included. Protocol manuscripts, review studies, abstracts, and guidelines were excluded.

    Data Collection

    According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a two-step study identification and data extraction process was used. Two authors (MRN and HF) independently screened the electronic search results. First, the retrieved studies were screened for eligibility based on their title and abstract. The full text of studies selected in the first stage was then reviewed and analyzed as a candidate for final inclusion. Any disagreement between the two authors was resolved through discussion between the authors; if necessary, a third author (JH) was referred to for arbitration. Two authors (MRN and SN) were responsible for data extraction from the included articles. The extracted items were study design, study population, medicinal condition (population), outcomes, modes of telerehabilitation program (intervention) delivery, and rehabilitation duration.


    Study Identification

    Figure 1 shows an overview of the relevant study identification process using a four-step PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) [53] flow diagram. A total of 1198 studies were identified through the literature search: 119 in EMBASE, 807 in Scopus, 99 in Web of Knowledge, 165 in CINAHL, 97 in PubMed, 8 in PsycINFO, and 11 in the PEDro database. In total, 210 duplicated studies were found in the identified documents, and 909 articles were excluded by screening the titles and abstracts of the identified articles based on the defined inclusion criteria. The full text of 154 papers was reviewed by the authors in the eligibility stage, and 38 of the studies were included in this review. The eligible studies were reviewed, and studies using the same experimental setup and population were grouped together. Eventually, 24 group studies were chosen (Table 1).

    ‎
    Figure 1. Flowchart of the results from the literature search. CINAHL: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; PEDro: Physiotherapy Evidence Database.
    View this figure
    Table 1. Study characteristics.
    GroupAuthor(s), yearStudy designaPopulationbPatients (control, target)Duration (weeks)Intervention typec and detailFinding
    1Kramer et al, 2003 [54]RCTTKA80, 8012P; Patients got the exercise plan in a booklet and received at least two phone calls within the rehabilitation periodNo statistically difference between the groups. A phone call by a physiotherapist can effectively treat patients after TKA.
    2Han et al, 2015 [55]RCTTKA196, 1946P; Patients got a daily exercise program and were asked to perform exercises 3 times per day. They received a phone call every week.The intervention group achieved noninferior outcomes (pain and function) compared with usual care physiotherapy.
    3Chen et al, 2016 [56]RCTTKA101, 10112P; The patients received the standard rehabilitation program and were asked to perform exercises for 1 hour per day. They also received 3 phone calls.A structured telephone follow-up may improve patient adherence as well as enhance patient mental health and range of motion.
    4Azma et al, 2017 [57]RCTKOA27, 276P; Home training with a weekly phone call and logbookThe telerehabilitation was as effective as regular rehabilitation, and no significant difference was observed between the study groups.
    5Wong et al, 2005 [58]PiSKnP—d, 2012V; Video call at the secondary center with a group of patients and unsupervised home training.Videoconferencing was accepted as a mode of health care service delivery among the users. Significant reductions were observed in pain level and stiffness, and there was an improvement in physical function and the Berg Balance Scale score.
    6Tousignant et al, 2009 [59]PiSTKA—d, 58V; Over 8 weeks, there were 16 video calls, which included the prescribing of an individualized training program.A high level of participant satisfaction was achieved, and positive patient-therapist relationships were established.
    6eTousignant et al, 2011 [30]RCTTKA24, 248V; Over 8 weeks, there were 16 video calls, which included the prescribing of an individualized training program.The home telerehabilitation was as effective as conventional home visits in terms of reducing disability and improving function in the short term.
    6Tousignant et al, 2011 [35]RCTTKA20, 228V; Over 8 weeks, there were 16 video calls, which included the prescribing of an individualized training program.Patient and therapist satisfaction were high and comparable to that of conventional therapy.
    7eMoffet et al, 2015 [60]RCTTKA101, 1048V; In-home training using 16 video calls over 8 weeks. Treatment, assessment, and recommendations were considered in the video sessions.The telerehabilitation was as effective as conventional face-to-face rehabilitation in terms of functional recovery and quality of life.
    7Tousignant et al, 2015 [23]RCTTKA100, 978V; In-home training using 16 video calls over 8 weeks. Treatment, assessment, and recommendations were considered in the video sessions.The telerehabilitation program was less expensive compared to conventional home visits when the distance between the health care center and patients was more than 30 km.
    7Moffet et al, 2017 [36]RCTTKA98, 848V; In-home training using 16 video calls over 8 weeks. Treatment, assessment, and recommendations were considered in the video sessions.Patient satisfaction was reported high for both control and intervention groups. No strong correlation was found between reported satisfaction and measurements.
    7Boissy et al, 2015 [61]MixTKA—d, 978V; In-home training using 16 video calls over 8 weeks. Treatment, assessment, and recommendations were considered in the video sessions.The telerehabilitation program was reliable; however, the program required technical maintenance, support, and initial installation.
    8Bini et al, 2017 [62]RCTTKA15, 1312V; Asynchronous video communication using a mobile app.No significant difference was observed between study groups in any of the outcomes. A high level of patient acceptance and satisfaction was achieved. Asynchronous communication may overcome the limitations of real-time telerehabilitation.
    9Doiron-Cadrin et al, 2018 [63]RCTHKA12, 2212V; Video telerehabilitation sessions were performed twice per week, and patients were asked to repeat the exercises unsupervised.High level of patient satisfaction and adherence to the intervention program were achieved. No significant differences were observed between groups for all measurements. Telerehabilitation seems feasible and safe.
    10Eisermann et al, 2004 [64]RCTHKA142, 1543-4S; Home training using a computer (software) 3-5 times per weekThe provided solution was feasible and as effective as conventional therapy.
    11Piqueras et al, 2013 [65]RCTTKA70, 722S: Included 1 week of on-site rehabilitation and 1 week of home training using a PC and sensors.The proposed telerehabilitation program was at least as effective as conventional therapy. Significant improvement was observed in active extension range and quadriceps muscle strength.
    12Ayoade and Baillie, 2014 [66]RCTTKA7, 86S; Home training using a computer (software) and a video call (Week 3)The system was acceptable among the seniors. However; it did not improve their adherence.
    13eCorreia et al, 2018 [67]RCTTKA30, 298S; Training at home using 3 wearable sensors and a tablet 5-7 days per week.Performance tests, range of motion, and patient-reported outcomes were significantly higher in the intervention group.
    13Correia et al, 2019 [68]RCTTKA30, 298S; Training at home using 3 wearable sensors and a tablet 5-7 days per week.High levels of adherence to the program and satisfaction were reported. All the outcomes were significantly higher in the intervention group at 3 months and primary outcomes at 6 months.
    14Argent et al, 2019 [69]MixTKA—d, 152S; Training at home using a wearable sensor and customized Android application.High level of adherence to the intervention was reported, and overall positive user-experience achieved. Technical issues caused some negative experiences.
    15Ramkumar et al, 2019 [70]FiSTKA—d, 2512S; Training at home using a leg sleeve equipped with two wearable sensors communicating with an iPhone. Daily activities were measured based on the internal pedometer of the phone.Patients found the telerehabilitation program engaging, motivating, and easy to use.
    16Eichler et al, 2019 [71]RCTHKA55, 5612S; Microsoft Kinect was used and therapist could actively modify the exercises. Real-time video communication was used to establish the communication.The effect of the telerehabilitation therapy was equivalent to the usual aftercare in terms of functional testing, quality of life, and pain.
    17Bettger et al, 2019 [72]RCTTKA144, 14312S; An interactive training program was presented, and Microsoft Kinect was used to track the exercises. The therapist could track patient performance and modify the training program. The system provided real-time video communication as well.The program was as effective as traditional treatment (function and disability) and as safe as traditional treatment (pain and rehospitalization).
    18Kuether et al, 2019 [73]PiSHKA—d, 40≈ 8S; An interactive training program was presented and Microsoft Kinect was used to track the exercises. The therapist could track patient performance and modify the training program. The system provided real-time video communication as well.High satisfaction rate was observed among the patients, and comparable improvement in the patient-reported outcomes were achieved.
    19Chughtai et al, 2019 [74]FiSKA—d, 157≈ 4S; An interactive training program was presented and Microsoft Kinect was used to track the exercises. The therapist could track patient performance and modify the training program. The system provided real-time video communication as well.The intervention was cost-effective, convenient, and improved patient adherence and overall satisfaction.
    20Bossen et al, 2013 [75]PiSHKO—d, 209E; Web-based exercise management gradually increases the activity level over 9 weeks without physiotherapist involvement.The intervention was feasible and accepted among the patients. Patient satisfaction was reported high.
    20Bossen et al, 2013 [76]MixHKO—d, 1009E; Web-based exercise management gradually increases the activity level over 9 weeks without physiotherapist involvement.Higher age, presence of comorbidity, lack of self-discipline, and physical activity baseline have a negative impact on the intervention adherence rate.
    20eBossen et al, 2013 [77]RCTHKO99, 1009E; Web-based exercise management gradually increases the activity level over 9 weeks without physiotherapist involvement.In the intervention group, physical function status improved in the short term; in the long term, higher levels of subjective and objective physical activity were observed.
    21Rini et al, 2015 [78]RCTHKO55, 588-10E; Automatically generated training program and management based on feedback without therapist participation.The intervention group reported significantly lower pain compared with the control group and a very high level of adherence to the intervention program was observed. The acceptability of the program was demonstrated based on the strong evidence.
    22Kim et al, 2016 [79]RCTKnP20, 506E; Training program generated and updated automatically with therapist involvement.No statistical difference was observed between the control and intervention groups. Only 8% of the participants completed the program.
    23Hinman et al, 2017 [33]MixKnP/KOA—d, 1212E/V; Home training (3 times per week) and 7 video calls during the treatment period.Patients were satisfied with the provided solution due to the time efficiency, flexibility of service, and ease of access.
    The solution also improved users’ confidence and sense of self-efficacy.
    23eBennell et al, 2017 [80]RCTKnP74, 7412E/V; Home training (3 times per week) and 7 video calls during the treatment period.Short-term and long-term effectiveness of the intervention was achieved. A significant short-term improvement was observed in the primary outcomes.
    23Lawford et al, 2018 [81]RCTKnP74, 7412E/V; Home training (3 times per week) and 7 video calls during the treatment period.Employed participants with a higher self-efficacy had better improvement in their health condition compared to the rest of the study group.
    24Bossen et al, 2016 [82]MixHKO—d, 89E; Web-based exercise management with gradual increases in the activity level over 12 weeks; the therapist could update the program, which included 5 face-to-face visits.The proposed treatment seems to be feasible, and a good level of usability was reported. Lack of possibility to monitor patients between sessions was considered a limitation.
    24Vries et al, 2017 [83]MixHKO—d, 9012E; Web-based exercise management with gradual increases in the activity level over 12 weeks; the therapist could update the program, which included 5 face-to-face visits.Internet skills, self-discipline, usability of the intervention, added value, time required, flexibility, and execution of the exercise plan and participating in research identified as determinants of patients’ adherence.
    24Kloek et al, 2018 [84]RCTHKO99, 10912E; Web-based exercise management with gradual increases in the activity level over 12 weeks; the therapist could update the program, which included 5 face-to-face visits.The intervention cost was significantly lower in the intervention group. However; the total societal and healthcare costs were not statistically significant between groups.
    24Kloek et al, 2018 [85]MixHKO—f, —f12E; Web-based exercise management with gradual increases in the activity level over 12 weeks; the therapist could update the program, which included 5 face-to-face visits.Appropriateness, required time, workload, added value, environmental factors, professional autonomy, and financial consequences were identified as determinants for physiotherapists’ usage of the proposed intervention
    24eKloek et al, 2018 [86]RCTHKO99, 10912E; Web-based exercise management with gradual increases in the activity level over 12 weeks; the therapist could update the program, which included 5 face-to-face visits.No statistical differences were found between control and intervention groups in physical functioning and free-living physical activity.

    aThe study designs are randomized controlled trial (RCT), mixed method study (Mix), quasi-experimental study (QeS), pilot study (PiS), feasibility study (FiS), and cross-sectional study (CrS).

    bThe population groups are total hip/knee arthroplasty (HKA), knee osteoarthritis (KOA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), knee pain (KnP), and hip/knee osteoarthritis (HKO).

    cFor the intervention type, the designations P, V, S, and E stand for phone-based, video-based, sensor-based, and expert system–based telerehabilitation, respectively.

    dNot available.

    eThese studies are considered the reference study of their group.

    fThere were 123 physiotherapists that participated in the study.

    Technologies and Mode of Rehabilitation Service Delivery

    We identified four modes of telerehabilitation programs: phone-based, video-based, sensor-based, and expert system–based; we focused on the given training solution.

    Phone-Based Telerehabilitation

    Azma et al [57] and Han et al [55] used weekly phone communication initiated by a health care professional who would instruct patients and track their progress over the rehabilitation period. Kramer et al [54] and Chen et al [56] performed less frequent phone calls during the rehabilitation period. In the studies, training instructions were provided using a guidebook of the exercises. Information about adherence to the exercise programs was collected by filling out a logbook of activities [57] or during the phone calls [55].

    Video-Based Telerehabilitation

    In previous studies, real-time video streaming communication was frequently used to deliver rehabilitation services to patients. Wong et al [58] established a weekly supervised training session with a group of patients using video conference communication at a secondary center. Patients were asked to perform the prescribed exercises 3 times per week for 12 weeks using a booklet of exercise instructions; patient activity/adherence was reported using a logbook. Tousignant et al [30] provided a home telerehabilitation service by setting up a video conferencing system in the patient’s home, and rehabilitation sessions were carried out twice per week for 8 weeks. Moffet et al [60] developed the telerehabilitation solution by employing a hardware/software video communication platform (TelAge), which was the treatment program for the target group. In the TelAge system, custom computer software (TeRa) was developed to control the streaming video with a user-friendly graphical interface [61]. Doiron-Cadrin et al [63] employed a medical teleconsultation application (REACTS Lite, Innovative Imaging Technologies) to establish real-time video communication.

    Bini et al [62] introduced asynchronous video communication by employing smart devices (iPod Touch, Apple Inc) and media file–sharing applications (CaptureProof). The system established a two-way asynchronous communication between the physiotherapist and patient. It also enabled the physiotherapist to instruct the patient using prerecorded exercise introductions and provide supplementary media.

    Sensor-Based Telerehabilitation

    Eisermann et al [64] provided a telerehabilitation program using custom computer software and several sensors to track the patient’s performance. Patients were asked to perform individualized exercises based on the training program prescribed by the therapist; the program could be modified based on the patient’s feedback. Accelerometers, webcams, chest sensors, and wristbands were employed in the study to monitor training performance and generate relevant reports and online feedback.

    Ayoade et al [66] and Piqueras et al [65] developed a telerehabilitation program by using two wireless sensors equipped with 9 degrees of freedom (9DOF) inertial measurement units to track the knee angle. Participants were asked to wear the sensors on their operated leg (shin and thigh) using elastic bands while performing the recommended exercises. Argent et al [69] used a classic Bluetooth 9DOF sensor (Shimmer3, Shimmer Sensing) fixed on the patient’s shin, and Correia et al [67] increased the number of Bluetooth Low Energy 9DOF sensors to three; these were placed on the chest, thigh, and shin. Ramkumar et al [70,87] employed Focus Motion (Focus Ventures) sleeves to track the operated knee’s range of motion. The sleeve was designed for the lower limb and equipped with two classic Bluetooth 9DOF sensors. In addition, the user’s cellphone was used to track daily activities based on the internal pedometer.

    Eichler et al [71,88] used Microsoft Kinect (Version 2, Microsoft Corp) in the training program to track the patient’s performance. The VERA (Reflexion Health) system also used Microsoft Kinect to track the exercises and it has been used in several clinical studies [72-74]. The Microsoft Kinect software development kit (Version 2.0) [89] can provide an estimation of 25 joins (including the knee) in space. Therefore, the telerehabilitation program could produce an avatar of the user performing the exercises.

    All the introduced telerehabilitation programs were able to track the number of performed exercises and to provide real-time visual feedback on user performance.

    Expert System–Based Telerehabilitation

    Bossen et al [77] provided a web-based training program (Join2Move). The training program was automatically generated based on reported baseline measurements. The intensity of the exercises was increased over time, based on the behavioral graded activity concept [90]. The expert system collected weekly patient adherence reports and provided autogenerated messages and reports without any intervention by the physiotherapist. The telerehabilitation program was improved and developed using a participatory design method [82,91]. In the improved program (E-exercise), online information and 5 face-to-face visits were included in the internet-based intervention [86]. Moreover, in E-exercise, it was observed that the therapist could deviate from the suggested training program.

    Kim et al [79] used a decision-making system that introduced an adaptive training program based on the patient’s adherence, pain level, and difficulty reports. However, the physiotherapists were not involved in adjusting the training program; they were able to monitor the patient’s reports and respond to the patient’s questions via a text messaging service embedded in the program.

    Rini et al [78] employed an expert system to provide internet-based pain coping skills training (PainCoach). An individualized training program was automatically generated based on the patient’s baseline without physiotherapist participation. In addition, the program enabled the patients to access the appropriate instructions and a history of their performance; they could also ask other patients about their experiences and share experiences. Bennell et al [80] extended the PainCoach program by including 7 videoconference sessions with a physiotherapist over 12 weeks.

    Intervention and Services

    In total, five different services were identified in the included papers. Table 2 shows the introduced services as part of the telerehabilitation program. The details regarding services were provided as follows.

    Information

    The information service provided relevant educational material for the target group and was accessible on a 24/7 basis without any interruption. The information provided could cover a wide variety of instructions and answer questions; in addition, it could introduce critical challenges that the patient might encounter. Only four of the studies introduced education materials via an online service as a part of the rehabilitation program.

    Communication

    The two-way communication between the patient and health care professionals can be used for consultation, recommendation, and interview purposes. The majority of the studies provided this service (19 studies). Real-time communication (using the phone or a video call) was used more than asynchronized communication (asynchronous SMS text messaging or video messaging). In the phone-based and video-based solutions, the communication platform was also used to deliver the training services. It should be mentioned that two of the studies [67,86] chose to include regular in-person visits. Eichler et al [71] used both real-time videoconferencing and asynchronous messaging approaches in the program.

    Training

    The training service includes exercise instructions, daily/weekly rehabilitation plans (number of repetitions and sets for each exercise) and relevant interactive materials for each exercise. All the studies provided training services using an interactive training program with visual feedback, video rehabilitation sessions, or a printed booklet of instructions.

    Intervention

    Intervention in a telerehabilitation program can be carried out based on the patient’s reports and is done individually by either a physiotherapist or a decision-making algorithm (as part of an expert system). Making adjustments and modifications to the training program (ie, repetitions, intensity, number of exercises) and providing relevant feedback are considered as interventions in the treatment.

    Monitoring and Tracking

    Monitoring and tracking services enable physiotherapists or an expert system to perform a predefined assessment or diagnosis remotely. In addition, this service may provide a history of the patient’s performance. The data can be recorded manually by a physiotherapist, self-reported by the patient (such as adherence or pain level), or collected automatically using motion tracking sensors.

    Table 2. Details of the services provided in the included telerehabilitation programs.
    GroupMain studyInformationCommunicationTrainingInterventionTracking
    1Kramer et al, 2003 [54]BookletPhone callInstruction booklet of the exercisesPhone callN/Aa
    2Han et al, 2015 [55]N/APhone callA hard copy of the instructionsPhone callAdherence (by phone call)
    3Chen et al, 2016 [56]N/APhone callA hard copy of the instructionsPhone callUnclear
    4Azma et al, 2017 [57]N/APhone callInstruction booklet of the exercisesPhone callAdherence logbook
    5Wong et al, 2005 [58]N/AReal-time video communicationInstruction booklet of the exercisesUnclearReal-time video communication
    6Tousignant et al, 2011 [30]N/AReal-time video communicationReal-time video communicationA therapist can modify the training programReal-time video communication
    7Moffet et al, 2015 [60]N/AReal-time video communicationReal-time video communicationA therapist can modify the training programReal-time video communication
    8Bini et al, 2017 [62]N/AAsynchronous video communicationVideo instruction of the training programA therapist can modify the training programVideo reports
    9Doiron-Cadrin et al, 2018 [63]N/AReal-time video communicationReal-time video communicationReal-time video communicationAdherence using logbook
    10Eisermann et al, 2004 [64]N/AAsynchronous text messagingAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using motion sensorsA therapist can modify the training programPatient performance collected by sensors and reported
    11Piqueras et al, 2013 [65]N/AUnclearAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using motion sensorsA therapist can modify the training programPatient performance collected by sensors and reported
    12Ayoade and Baillie, 2014 [66]N/AReal-time video communicationAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using motion sensorsReal-time video communicationUnclear
    13Correia et al, 2018 [67]N/AFace-to-face, phone callVisual real-time feedback and audio instructions using motion sensorsA therapist can modify the training programSystem generated performance
    14Argent et al, 2019 [69]Provided by the applicationUnclearAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using motion sensorsUnclearAdherence (performance) collected by the system and patient reports (pain, difficulty)
    15Ramkumar et al, 2019 [70]UnclearUnclearAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using motion sensorsUnclearAdherence and daily steps were collected automatically, and patient-reported outcome data were reported every week electronically.
    16Eichler et al, 2019 [71]N/AAsynchronous SMS text and voice messaging as well as real-time video communicationAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using Microsoft KinectA therapist can modify the training program.Patient adherence and performance collected and reported
    17Bettger et al, 2019 [72]N/AReal-time video communicationAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using Microsoft KinectA therapist can modify the training program.Patient adherence and performance collected and reported
    18Kuether et al, 2019 [73]N/AReal-time video communicationAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using Microsoft KinectA therapist can modify the training program.Adherence to the program reported automatically.
    19Chughtai et al, 2019 [74]N/AReal-time video communicationAn interactive training program with real-time feedback using Microsoft KinectA therapist can modify the training program.Adherence to the program reported automatically.
    20Bossen et al, 2013 [77]Online education materialsN/AInteractive training programThe expert system modifies the training programAdherence report
    21Rini et al, 2015 [78]Online education materialsN/AInteractive training programThe expert system modifies the training programPatient reports
    22Kim et al, 2016 [79]UnclearAsynchronous text messagingInteractive training programThe expert system modifies the training programPatient reports
    23Bennell et al, 2017 [80]Online education materialsReal-time video communicationInteractive training programThe expert system modifies the training programUnclear
    24Kloek et al, 2018 [86]Online education materialsFace-to-faceInteractive training programThe expert system and therapist modify the training programAdherence report
    OverallN/A619242120

    aN/A: not applicable.


    This focused review had two purposes: to investigate the technologies used in telerehabilitation programs for patients with KOA and to identify the services that were introduced for the target group. The review identified 24 group studies. The majority of studies (87.5%) were conducted in the second decade of the investigation period (2010-2020) and half of the studies published in the last 4 years. Four different modes of service delivery and five groups of services were identified. The findings showed that video-based communication was the most well-established mode of service delivery, and the studies primarily emphasized establishing training and intervention services rather than providing online education materials.

    It is believed that limited services can be provided using a phone-based telerehabilitation program such as phone consultations, recommendations, and interviews [57,92,93], while real-time video communication can be seen as an alternative implementation of an in-person physiotherapy session. Real-time video can be employed not only for consultation purposes but also for training, intervention, and assessment services [30,94,95]. Video conferencing enables the physiotherapist to provide individualized instructions, feedback, and training programs for each patient in real time [59]. Cottrell et al [15] also concluded that real-time video telerehabilitation might be as effective as conventional therapy. Furthermore, the clinical assessment can be carried out by a physiotherapist via the visual observation of a patient’s performance while performing a clinical test [59]. Capturing high-quality still images to assess the range of motion of a patient’s knee is also recommended [96,97]. In addition, it has been shown that video conferencing can be carried out using a low-bandwidth internet connection [94,98].

    Bini et al [62] remarked that real-time video communication might involve several limitations when compared to asynchronous video communication, such as time restrictions and limited or no access to the previous records. The video conference session is usually conducted according to predefined schedules (for example, twice per week in [30,60]), and patients were asked to repeat the exercises without any supervision [63]. Consequently, the patient cannot initiate on-demand communication. Moreover, storing the real-time video stream for later use requires more complicated infrastructure; therefore, neither the physiotherapist nor patients would have access to the previous sessions to track treatment progress. Russell et al [99] recommended a store and forward method to provide video instructions with higher quality. Perez-Manchon et al [100] stated that asynchronous telemedicine could be an efficient method for providing health care services at a distance. However, this method still requires the active engagement of the therapists to review the recorded video session.

    Sensor-based telerehabilitation programs are a more independent service than video communication as they use one or more sensors to record the patient’s physical activity and collect movement information using software running on a computer device (PC, smartphone, tablet). Ayoade and Baillie [66] showed that a sensor-based telerehabilitation program can offer increased time flexibility and independence for patients by using semi supervised training sessions. Interactive telerehabilitation can be provided by presenting real-time graphical feedback of the patient’s performance using the software. In addition, interactive telerehabilitation enables users to review their performance over time. Moreover, several services can also be provided by software such as asynchronous or synchronous communication, educational materials, and patient reports. The program can be divided into wearable sensor–based and Microsoft Kinect–based programs. Earlier studies remarked that wearable sensors can provide accurate and precise details of movement [101-103]. However, several limitations were observed in the studies. Ayoade and Baillie [66] evaluated the system on only five patients, and Piqueras et al [65] reported that patients used the program for five days. Argent et al [69] reported that patients had a negative experience due to inconsistencies in the automatic measuring system. Ramkumar et al [70] remarked that the users did not appreciate the frequent charging of sensors. In addition, Naeemabadi et al [104] showed that Bluetooth Low Energy–based motion sensors might have a less accurate estimation of the sensor orientation due to a low sampling rate. Moreover, the sampling rate will also decline when the number of sensors is increased. Therefore, further investigation might be required to assess the real-time responsiveness of telerehabilitation programs like those introduced by Correia et al [67,68]. In general, wearable sensors can only represent the orientation of the limb to which they are attached. Therefore, the depicted avatar cannot represent the movement of the whole body. However, Microsoft Kinect–based solutions can track the whole body without the need to wear sensors. In addition, no calibration process is required, and users can immediately start the exercises. The portability of these solutions are debatable due to the computational requirement for Kinect. Eichler et al [71] used a small form factor PC attached to the user’s TV; for the VERA solution, the PC, display, and Kinect sensor were placed in a case. Conversely, cellphones and tablets were used in the wearable sensor–based solutions. It was also shown that Microsoft Kinect might impose practical limitations on particular exercises [105]. Microsoft Kinect requires a large space to track the body and Eichler et al [71] consider this in the inclusion criteria. Hence, using Microsoft Kinect to track the exercises might be controversial. It is believed that we still lack a robust solution for the sensor-based telerehabilitation program. Hence, further studies are needed to provide a better understanding of these challenges.

    The recent investigations showed that the expert system could partly or entirely interact with the patient and take the therapist's responsibilities. In only 2 out of the 5 identified studies, the expert system was entirely responsible for managing and supervising the treatment procedure, and the patient-to-therapist connection was disrupted [77,78]. Later on, both studies saw improvements, with physiotherapists being more involved in the treatment process via face-to-face visits [86] and video conference communication [80]. Kim et al [79] also used an asynchronous communication with a physiotherapist in the expert system that they introduced. We conclude that the expert system can be effectively used as an assistant system that allows the physiotherapist to have responsibility and maintain physiotherapist-patient telecommunication.

    Russell [32] also recognized virtual reality–based telerehabilitation programs as a mode of telerehabilitation. However, we were not able to identify any studies that employed this mode based on the taxonomy of virtual reality displays [106].

    In summary, video conference–based programs can be considered the well-established alternative solution to the conventional rehabilitation program for the target group; however, there remain several limitations, such as flexibility and resource management. The recent studies justified the effectiveness of this approach. Although sensor-based solutions might offer higher flexibility and better resource management. The investigations indicated, more studies are being conducted utilizing the sensor technology as a telerehabilitation in the last two years thanks to the existing demand for a more flexible and portable telerehabilitation with better human resource management.

    Acknowledgments

    This study was supported by the Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansen Foundation, Aalborg University, as well as the Orthopedic Surgery Research Unit, Science and Innovation Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.

    Conflicts of Interest

    None declared.

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    ‎
    9DOF: 9 degrees of freedom
    CINAHL: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature
    PEDro: Physiotherapy Evidence Database
    PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
    MeSH: medical subject heading
    RCT: randomized controlled trial

    Edited by G Eysenbach; submitted 09.11.19; peer-reviewed by D Kairy, C Snoswell; comments to author 09.12.19; revised version received 16.05.20; accepted 14.06.20; published 21.07.20

    Copyright

    ©MReza Naeemabadi, Hesam Fazlali, Samira Najafi, Birthe Dinesen, John Hansen. Originally published in JMIR Biomedical Engineering (http://biomedeng.jmir.org), 21.07.2020.

    This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in JMIR Biomedical Engineering, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on http://biomedeng.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.