Impact of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Sensor Technology in Knee Osteoarthritis Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This paper reviews how virtual reality, augmented reality, and sensors help people with knee osteoarthritis by improving rehab adherence, pain, and mobility.

Contribution

The study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of VR, AR, and sensor tech in KOA rehabilitation, highlighting their benefits and challenges.

Findings

VR and AR improve patient adherence and engagement in rehabilitation.

Sensor-based systems offer real-time feedback, enhancing personalized therapy.

These technologies show significant improvements in pain and mobility.

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a progressive degenerative joint disorder that significantly impacts mobility, pain levels, and overall quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation methods, while effective, often suffer from limitations related to patient adherence, accessibility, and cost. This systematic review examines the role of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and sensor-based technologies in KOA rehabilitation, evaluating their effectiveness in pain reduction, functional improvement, and patient engagement. A comprehensive literature search identified four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 405 participants, with an average Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score of 6/10, indicating moderate to high methodological quality. Findings suggest that VR and AR interventions enhance rehabilitation adherence and engagement, while sensor-based systems provide real-time biofeedback, enabling personalized therapeutic adjustments. These technologies demonstrated significant improvements in pain management, muscle strength, and functional mobility. However, challenges such as high costs, limited accessibility, and the absence of standardized treatment protocols remain barriers to widespread clinical adoption. Further research should focus on long-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and the integration of these innovations into routine clinical practice.

Figures