Against osteoarthritis – or osteoarthritis – of the knee, digital solutions can be very helpful. This is shown by a clinical study conducted by the University of Nottingham which compared the benefits of an intervention based on the use of an app that follows the patient with targeted exercises with the traditional analogue one, in which the person must perform the exercises independently. THE results are published on Jama Network Open.
Digital medicine as an additional resource
Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability. To combat osteoarthritis of the knee – one of the most common forms, together with that of the hip and spine – it is important to do a specific physical activity to mobilize the joint and strengthen the muscles. However, especially during the pandemic, it is often difficult to manage the problem, carry out the exercises and follow the specialist’s other recommendations. This is where digital medicine can be of great help: without replacing the doctor, it can support the patient in managing the disease at home, improving adherence to therapies.
I study
The study, carried out before the coronavirus emergency, confirms this data. The researchers involved 105 people over the age of 45 and diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. Participants were divided into two groups, one of which followed a digital program, developed by the Joint Academy, and the second had to independently implement the recommendations provided by the guidelines for the disease. The digital program consists of a smartphone app that daily indicated the exercises and provided information to guide and support the person. The traditional program, on the other hand, provided for the carrying out of the exercises independently together with possible visits in the presence, as per standard practice; in addition, an information leaflet on osteoarthritis was provided at the start of treatment.
The results
All study participants were monitored in a similar manner and had an interview with the physician face-to-face at the start and end of treatment, 6 weeks apart. After this period, the group to which the app was assigned showed superior benefits: pain decreased by 41% versus only 6% in the group treated in the traditional way; furthermore, the mobility of the joint was increased. There were no major complications in either group.
The authors point out that in addition to the benefits in terms of health and quality of life, costs are also reduced and the possibility of accessing treatment for patients who have more difficulty reaching the hospital increases. And today, with the need to reduce live meetings and the reorganization of departments, it is increasingly necessary to find alternative tools, in particular digital, that support the patient in managing the disease at home.
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