Telerehabilitation with a physical therapist is not inferior to in-person care for chronic knee pain, a recent study from Australia found.

Researchers recruited 15 licensed physical therapists from 27 Australian clinics, and randomly assigned 394 participants with chronic knee from osteoarthritis to in-person or telerehabilitation (i.e., video conferencing, mainly via Zoom) physical therapy consultations. Participants had a mean age of 62 and about 70% were women,

Both groups had five consultations over three months for strengthening, physical activity, and education. Primary outcomes were knee pain (on a scale of 0–10) and physical function (using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities’ osteoarthritis index of 0–68) at three months after randomization.

At three months, both groups reported improved pain and function, with little difference between the groups. However, video conferencing was superior to in-person care for change in physical activity (improved), convenience, satisfaction, attendance, and adherence. A cost-effectiveness analysis including private time and travel showed video conferencing offered net social benefits due to cost savings at nine months.

“Telerehabilitation is a safe and effective option for the provision of rehabilitation services in people with chronic knee pain,” the authors conclude.