Effectiveness of telerehabilitation in patients following hip joint arthroplasty

Abstract

The article focuses on comparing intensive rehabilitation with telerehabilitation carried out in the home environment using common computer communication technologies. To assess the effect of telerehabilitation, an instructional video was recorded, according to which patients after hip joint arthroplasty performed exercises independently in their social environment. A total of 92 patients who underwent hip joint arthroplasty surgery were divided into two groups. Group C (control) consisted of clients who were admitted to the inpatient department of a medical facility for intensive 14-day rehabilitation. Group T (telerehabilitation) performed rehabilitation in their home environment and exercised independently with the possible supervision of a physiotherapist via communication technologies.The monitoring took place for 6 weeks, with the initial examination carried out in the first week after the surgery, a follow-up examination in the third week, and a final (exit) examination after 6 weeks of the total hip joint arthroplasty surgery. The range of motion (ROM) in the hip joint and the circumferential of the operated limb were compared for both groups. The functional examination was supplemented by walking and evaluated using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT).The results of the study indicate a comprehensive therapeutic effect of telerehabilitation in patients after hip joint arthroplasty.