Self-Directed Rehabilitation for Knee and Hip Surgery During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Miner Todd M., Anderson Mike B., Van Andel David C., Neher Robert E., Redfern Roberta E., Duwelius Paul J.
Primary Institution: Colorado Joint Replacement, Denver, CO, USA
Hypothesis
The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical therapy utilization and outcomes for patients using a smartphone-based care management platform for self-directed rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Self-directed rehabilitation facilitated by a smartphone app was used more frequently during the early COVID-19 pandemic without negatively impacting patient outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients using the smartphone app for self-directed rehabilitation had similar recovery outcomes compared to those who used traditional physical therapy.
- Step counts improved post-operatively regardless of the pandemic period.
- Use of self-directed rehabilitation increased during the early pandemic when access to in-person therapy was restricted.
Takeaway
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients used a smartphone app to help them recover from knee and hip surgeries instead of going to physical therapy, and it worked just as well.
Methodology
A secondary analysis of data from a multicenter, prospective cohort trial was performed, comparing outcomes of patients using a smartphone-based care management platform for self-directed rehabilitation before and after surgery.
Potential Biases
There may be self-selection bias as patients who consented to participate might have been more inclined to use self-directed rehabilitation.
Limitations
The study did not account for geographical differences in access to outpatient services during the pandemic, and relied on patient self-reports for adjunct physical therapy use.
Participant Demographics
The average age of participants was 63.1 years, with 55.7% being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.03 for TKA, p < 0.001 for THA, p = 0.53 for PKA
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website