Telerehabilitation Feasibility in Total Joint Replacement

Authors

  • Mark J. Nelson
  • Kay M. Crossley
  • Michael G. Bourke
  • Trevor G. Russell

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2017.6235

Abstract

Despite documented benefits, many Total Joint Replacement (TJR) patients find it difficult to access rehabilitation following discharge from hospital. One solution to improve access for TJR patients is telerehabilitation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of introducing a telerehabilitation program for TJR patients.   TJR patients at QEII Jubilee Hospital were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their access, feelings towards and preferences in using technology. Seventy-five patients were recruited. Most patients had computer access (72%) and internet (69%) at home. Sixty-five percent of participants were willing to participate in telerehabilitation. A significant difference was found between older and younger patients. Watching videos on an electronic device was the preferred method for a technology-based home exercise program and phone call the preferred method of communication.  Results indicate telerehabilitation in the TJR population is feasible from the perspective of access to, feelings toward, and preferences for technology.

Keywords: Hip replacement, Knee replacement, Telerehabilitation, Telemedicine, Total joint replacement

  

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Physiotherapy Labour Force 1998. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2000).

Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry - Annual Report 2015. (2015).

Bruun-Olsen, V., Heiberg, K. E., Wahl, A. K., & Mengshoel, A. M. (2013) The immediate and long-term effects of a Walking-Skill program compared to usual physiotherapy care in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA): A randomized controlled trial. Disability & Rehabilitation. 35, 2008-2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2013.770084

Cottrell, M. A., Galea, O. A., O’Leary, S. P., Hill, A. J., & Russell, T. G. (2016). Real-time telerehabilitation for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is effective and comparable to standard practice: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 31, 625-638. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215516645148

Dansky, K. H., Palmer, L., Shea, D., & Bowles, K. H. (2001). Cost analysis of telehomecare. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 7, 225-232. https://doi.org/10.1089/153056201316970920

Dorstyn, D., Mathias, J., & Denson, L. (2013). Applications of telecounselling in spinal cord injury rehabilitation: A systematic review with effect sizes. Clinical Rehabilitation, 27, 1072-1083. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215513488001

Frazer, L. (2000). Questionnaire design and administration: A practical guide (Vol. vii). Brisbane: John Wiley & Sons Australia.

Hwang, R., Bruning, J., Morris, N., Mandrusiak, A., & Russell, T. (2015). A systematic review of the effects of telerehabilitation in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, 35, 380-389. https://doi.org/10.1097/HCR.0000000000000121

Jakobsen, T. L., Kehlet, H., Husted, H., Petersen, J., & Bandholm, T. (2014). Early progressive strength training to enhance recovery after fast-track total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care & Research, 66, 1856-1866. https://doi:10.1002/acr.22405

Jiang, S., Xiang, J., Gao, X., Guo, K., & Liu, B. (2016). The comparison of telerehabilitation and face-to-face rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 0(0), 1-6.https://doi:10.1177/1357633X16686748

Lemaire, E. D., Boudrias, Y., & Greene, G. (2001). Low-bandwidth, internet-based videoconferencing for physical rehabilitation consultations. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 7, 82-89. https://doi.org/10.1258/1357633011936200

Maire, J., Faillenet-Maire, A.-F., Grange, C., Dugue, B., Tordi, N., Parratte, B., & Rouillon, J.-D. (2004). A specific arm-interval exercise program could improve the health status and walking ability of elderly patients after total hip arthroplasty: A pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 36, 92-94. https://doi:10.1080/16501970310021383

Mashima, P. A., Birkmire-Peters, D. P., Syms, M. J., Holtel, M. R., Burgess, L. P. A., & Peters, L. J. (2003). Telehealth: Voice therapy using telecommunications technology. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 12, 432-439 https://doi:10.1044/1058-0360(2003/089)

Oppenheim, A. N. (1992). Questionnaire design, interviewing, and attitude measurement. New York: Pinter Publishers.

Piqueras, M., Marco, E., Coll, M., Escalada, F., Ballester, A., Cinca, C., Muniesa, J. M. (2013). Effectiveness of an interactive virtual telerehabilitation system in patients after total knee arthoplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 45, 392-396. https://doi:10.2340/16501977-1119

Regina Molini-Avejonas, D., Rondon-Melo, S., de La Higuera Amato, C. A., & Samelli, A. G. (2015). A systematic review of the use of telehealth in speech, language and hearing sciences. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 21, 367-376. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X15583215

Rosen, M. J. (1999). Telerehabilitation. NeuroRehabilitation, 12(1), 11-26.

Russell, T. G., Buttrum, P., Wootton, R., & Jull, G. A. (2004). Rehabilitation after total knee replacement via low-bandwidth telemedicine: The patient and therapist experience. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 10(Suppl 1), 85-87. https://doi:10.1258/1357633042614384

Russell, T. G., Buttrum, P., Wootton, R., & Jull, G. A. (2011). Internet-based outpatient telerehabilitation for patients following total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 93, 113-120 https://doi:10.2106/jbjs.i.01375

Shukla, H., Nair, S., & Thakker, D. (2017). Role of telerehabilitation in patients following total knee arthroplasty: Evidence from a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 23, 339-346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633X16628996

Steins, D., Dawes, H., Esser, P., & Collett, J. (2014). Wearable accelerometry-based technology capable of assessing functional activities in neurological populations in community settings: A systematic review. Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, 11(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-11-36

Stergiou-Kita, M., & Grigorovich, A. (2014). Community reintegration following a total joint replacement: A pilot study. Musculoskeletal Care, 12, 103-113. https://doi: 10.1002/msc.1065

Suetta, C., Aagaard, P., Rosted, A., Jakobsen, A. K., Duus, B., Kjaer, M., & Magnusson, S. P. (2004). Training-induced changes in muscle CSA, muscle strength, EMG, and rate of force development in elderly subjects after long-term unilateral disuse. Journal of Applied Physiology, 97, 1954-1961.

https://doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01307.2003

Theodoros, D., Russell, T., & Latifi, R. (2008). Telerehabilitation: Current perspectives. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 131, 191-210.

Tousignant, M., Boissy, P., Moffet, H., Corriveau, H., Cabana, F., Marquis, F., & Simard, J. (2011). Patients' satisfaction of healthcare services and perception with in-home telerehabilitation and physiotherapists' satisfaction toward technology for post-knee arthroplasty: An embedded study in a randomized trial. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 17, https://doi:10.1089/tmj.2010.0198

Tousignant, M., Moffet, H., Boissy, P., Corriveau, H., Cabana, F., & Marquis, F. (2011). A randomized controlled trial of home telerehabilitation for post-knee arthroplasty. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 17, 195-198. https://doi:10.1258/jtt.2010.100602

Unlu, E., Eksioglu, E., Aydog, E., Aydog, S. T., & Atay, G. (2007). The effect of exercise on hip muscle strength, gait speed and cadence in patients with total hip arthroplasty: A randomized controlled study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 21, 706-711. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215507077302

Vesmarovich, S., Walker, T., Hauber, R. P., Temkin, A., & Burns, R. (1999). Use of telerehabilitation to manage pressure ulcers in persons with spinal cord injuries. Advances in wound care: Journal for Prevention and Healing, 12, 264-269.

Wang, A. W., Gilbey, H. J., & Ackland, T. R. (2002). Perioperative exercise programs improve early return of ambulatory function after total hip arthroplasty: A randomized, controlled trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 81, 801-806. https://doi:10.1097/01.PHM.0000030727.23011.9C

Xie, B., & Bugg, J. M. (2009). Public library computer training for older adults to access high-quality Internet health information. Library & Information Science Research, 31, 155-162. https://doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2009.03.004

Published

2017-11-20

How to Cite

Nelson, M. J., Crossley, K. M., Bourke, M. G., & Russell, T. G. (2017). Telerehabilitation Feasibility in Total Joint Replacement. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 9(2), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2017.6235

Issue

Section

Research

Most read articles by the same author(s)