Effects of a telehealth-based physical exercise program on functional capacity in patients with osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Telehealth is a novel therapeutic alternative. Aim: To determine the effects of a remote therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP), based on telehealth, on functional physical capacity in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Patients and Methods: An eight-week TPEP was undertaken by 36 participants with a mean age of 68 years. The control group received printed exercise instructions, while the experimental group received the same instructions plus TPEP using tutorial videos and voice messaging via WhatsApp. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and the end of the intervention with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Barthel index (BI), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), senior fitness test and with the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS). Results: The experimental group decreased the VAS score and improved tandem balance, three-meter walk, sit and stand 5 times, sit and stand in 30 seconds, push-ups in 30 seconds, two minutes' walk, join the right hand behind the back and SPPB general score. The control group increased the BI score and improved the three meters walking test, sitting, and standing 5 times, sit and stand 30 seconds chair test, 2 minutes walking test and the SPPB general score. No differences between groups were observed for the LEFS scale, BI, VAS and functional capacity. Conclusions: A TPEP based on telehealth has similar effectiveness than a TPEP based on traditional paper-based intervention to improve functional physical capacity in patients with OA. © 2022 Sociedad Medica de Santiago. All rights reserved.