Can We Improve Clinical Outcomes and Patient Engagement after TKA Using a Digital Health Remote Monitoring Platform? Perioperative Results with Recupe

Abstract

Background: In their recovery plan, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients generally receive outpatient physical therapy and a home exercise plan.  However, in the past home exercise plan compliance was not able to be tracked.  With the advent of digital health, such as Plethy’s Recupe mobile app, home exercise plans can now be measured, providing compliance data along with exercise specific data. Methods: Out of 245 TKA patients on Recupe, 53 patients were selected who performed exercises both pre-op and post-op, and also stayed on their program for at least 40 days and had a minimum of 50% engagement. Results: Pain decreased significantly from pre-op (3.6/10) and 1st week (4.28/10) post op to 1 month post-op (2.65/10).  Knee Flexion ROM increased significantly from the 1st week post op (44.72) to 1 month Post op (58.13).  This was the range of motion performed during home exercises, not the max measurement from a healthcare provider. Patients engaged the app 5.6 times per week.  Previous research showed non-compliance at up to 70%. Conclusions: This study suggests that digital health can help keep patients engaged in their home exercises.  Those who adopt it show excellent engagement.  This will likely lead to improved pain and ROM compared to those without digital health, who are not likely to comply with their prescribed home exercise plan.