Effectiveness of Mobile Exergaming with Sensor-Based Visual Feedback as an Adjunct Therapy for Home-Based Quadriceps Exercise Training in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Exergame applications were introduced recently for orthopedic rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week home-based quadriceps exercise with mobile exergaming for treatment of primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in 56 primary KOA patients. All patients were allocated into two groups (n = 28 each group). Intervention group received the 6-week mobile exergaming program using a smartphone exercise game with a wearable wireless motion sensor. Control group received a standard 6-week exercise program. Outcomes were active knee arc of motion, quadriceps muscle power, visual analog scale score, timed “Up and Go” (TUG) test, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at a 6-week follow-up. Results: At 6-week post-exercise, the intervention group significantly improved quadriceps power, arc of motion, VAS score at rest and on motion, TUG test, and KOOS-symptom domain compared to the control group (p < 0.05 all). No device- or exercise-related complications were found. Conclusions: Mobile exergaming with visual feedback control using a wearable wireless sensor significantly improves KOA outcomes compared to standard home-based exercise as early as 6 weeks post-application.