EFFECTIVENESS OF MOBILE HEALTH APPLICATIONS FOR HOME-BASED REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that causes pain, disability and reduced quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) apps are proposed as potential instruments for home rehabilitation, adherence to physical activity, self-management and remote monitoring.

Objective: The goal of this Systematic Review was to assess the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in home-based rehabilitation for patients with knee OA and its effect on pain, physical function, adherence to treatment, quality of life and patient engagement.

Methods: This systematic literature review was carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020. The keywords for knee osteoarthritis and digital health technologies were used to conduct a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar. After screening and eligibility assessment, 12 studies published between 2025 and 2026 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Data were extracted on study design, sample characteristics, digital intervention type, and rehabilitation outcomes.

Results: The included studies assessed smartphone monitoring systems, telerehabilitation platforms, web-based rehabilitation programmes, digital exercise therapy and internet-based behavioural interventions. Reported challenges were related to limited digital literacy, issues of technology access and long term user retention.

Conclusion: Mobile health apps offer a promising avenue for supporting home-based rehabilitation in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The combination of exercise advice, monitoring function, educational information and professional support could improve rehabilitation outcomes and enable patient-centred care.