Telehealth-supported exercise/physical activity programs for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Telehealth-supported program has been increasingly integrated into chronic disease management, but it is unknown if this benefit applies to populations with knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of telehealth-supported exercise/physical activity programs in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in September 2022 on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects compared to a control condition. Twenty-three studies met eligibility criteria, of which 20 studies included in meta-analysis. Telehealth-supported exercise/physical activity programs resulted in reduced pain (g = -0.39, CI -0.67 to -0.11, I2 = 83%), better physical activity (g = 0.13, CI 0.03 to 0.23, I2 = 0%) and better physical function (g = -0.51, CI -0.98 to -0.05, I2 = 87%). In addition, better improvements in quality of life, self-efficacy for pain, and global improvement were observed, but with non-significant improvements for self-efficacy for physical function. These findings suggested that telehealth-supported exercise/physical activity program might be an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Future research with standardized components and wearables should evaluate the effects.