Effectiveness of Gamification in Knee Replacement Rehabilitation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial With a...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Limited evidence exists for home-based exergaming in the postoperative phase of total knee replacement (TKR).
• Exergames offer potentially engaging exercise options for rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 4-month home-based exergame intervention on physical function and symptoms in older adults post-TKR.
• To compare exergame effects with a standard home exercise protocol over 4 months with an 8-month follow-up.
• To explore patients' perspectives on gamified rehabilitation through a qualitative component.

Main Methods:

• A dual-center, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial with a mixed-methods design.
• Recruitment of 100 patients (aged 60-75) undergoing unilateral TKR, randomized to exergame or standard exercise groups.
• Primary outcomes (Oxford Knee Score, Timed Up and Go) assessed preoperatively and at 2, 4, and 12 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Data collection occurred between 2019 and January 2022, with 52 participants enrolled by November 2020.
• The COVID-19 pandemic impacted recruitment and data collection timelines.
• Primary results were anticipated by the end of 2022.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel insights into the efficacy of postoperative exergame interventions for older TKR patients.
• Findings contribute to understanding gamified rehabilitation, exercise adherence, and functional outcomes in this population.