Effects of Internet of Things-based power cycling and neuromuscular training on pain and walking ability in elderly patients with KOA: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and highly disabling disease that imposes a heavy burden on individuals and society. Although physical therapy is recommended as an important method to relieve OA symptoms, patients cannot continue treatment after returning home. Research on Internet telerehabilitation for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can reduce pain and improve patient quality of life, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based telerehabilitation is a new form of delivering rehabilitation. This study will evaluate the effect of telerehabilitation via IoT, as a medium to deliver exercises, on pain and walking in patients with KOA. Methods This study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. We will recruit 42 middle-aged and elderly patients with KOA aged ≥ 50 years and randomly divided into power cycling group, neuromuscular exercise group, and control group, and intervention will last for 12 weeks. Outcome measures will be taken at baseline and 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks post-intervention. The pre- and posttreatment differences in knee pain and physical function between participants undergoing power cycling and neuromuscular training and those in the control group will be determined by each scale. The effectiveness will be assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Score (WOMAC) and an 11-point numerical pain rating scale. Walking function and quality of life will be assessed by the timed up and go and walk test, 6-min walk test, and quality of life health status questionnaires. Discussion The findings from this trial will establish the feasibility and effectiveness of IoT-based power cycling and neuromuscular training on elderly patients with KOA in the community. As a result, this trial may help provide experimental evidence for finding a better exercise method suitable for elderly patients with KOA in the community. Trail registration Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2200058924. Prospectively registered on 6 May 2022.

The impact of digitalized community-based square-stepping exercise program (DC-SSEP) on cognitive and balance functions among older adults living in senior facilities: A pilot study

“…Many researchers found that the pandemic had negative impacts on their cognitive and physical health [18][19][20] . Several studies demonstrated the growing integration of IoT technologies in exercise and rehabilitation programs, offering innovative ways to monitor, motivate, and tailor physical activities to individual needs among older adults 21,22 . Using an innovative digitalized community-based square-stepping exercise program (DC-SSEP) developed by the researchers, this pilot study is among the first studies to evaluate its impacts on cognitive and physical domains among older adults living in a senior facility in the United States who experienced prolonged isolation and had minimal opportunities to interact with others while enjoying group exercise during the pandemic.…”