Telerehabilitation transforms recovery: Elevating outcomes for lower limb amputees

Telerehabilitation provides a viable alternative for individuals facing barriers to in-person rehabilitation because of transportation issues and physical limitations. It enables remote monitoring and guidance, allowing patients to continue rehabilitation at home.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program in improving physical and psychological outcomes for lower limb amputees and to evaluate adherence to a home-based exercise program delivered via video.

A randomized controlled trial.

Sixty participants with lower limb amputations were randomized to an experimental group (telerehabilitation) or a control group (standard care). The intervention involved a 4-week supervised phase followed by a 4-week unsupervised phase. Primary outcomes were physical capacity, measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and psychological status, assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes included adherence rates and patient satisfaction.

The experimental group showed significant improvements in 6MWT distance and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores compared to the control group. The mean 6MWT distance increased by 20% from baseline to the end of the supervised phase (P < 0.01) and was maintained during the unsupervised phase. Anxiety and depression scores significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Adherence was higher during the supervised phase (85%) but dropped during the unsupervised phase (60%).

Telerehabilitation significantly improved physical and psychological outcomes for lower limb amputees. High adherence during the supervised phase emphasizes the importance of clinician support, whereas strategies are needed to sustain long-term engagement during the unsupervised phase.