Mobile and Computer-Based Applications for Rehabilitation Monitoring and Self-Management After Knee Arthroplasty:...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Rehabilitation technology
• Health informatics

Background:

• Post-knee replacement rehabilitation necessitates health information, social support, and professional monitoring.
• Mobile health (mHealth) and computer-based technologies are utilized for rehabilitation and remote monitoring.
• The scope of technology use in knee replacement rehabilitation in low- and middle-income settings is largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of existing technologies for post-knee replacement rehabilitation.
• To map the features and functionality of current mHealth and computer-based interventions.
• To determine user perspectives on telerehabilitation and technology for self-management to inform future intervention development.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed, following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.
• Searched Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies from 2001 onwards.
• Included original research on mobile or computer-based technologies, categorizing studies into validation, clinical evaluation, and end-user feedback.

Main Results:

• 158 studies from high-income settings were included; no studies originated from low- and middle-income settings.
• Technologies primarily offered education, exercise guidance, pain/activity/adherence monitoring, healthcare communication, and goal setting.
• Commonly validated technologies included range of motion assessment and gait analysis; end-user involvement was reported in only 14 studies.

Conclusions:

• Existing mobile and computer-based technologies support knee replacement rehabilitation but are confined to high-income settings.
• These technologies may not be directly applicable to low-income settings due to differing contexts.
• A systematic needs assessment, inclusive of end-users throughout development and evaluation, is crucial for accessible and cost-effective rehabilitation in resource-poor settings.