RANDOMIZED TRIAL COMPARING AI-TAILORED HOME PHYSIOTHERAPY VERSUS CLINIC-BASED REHAB IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Authors

  • Syed Gufran Sadiq Zaidi Riphah International University, Pakistan. Author
  • Muhammad Imtiaz Subhani Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan. Author
  • Mohammed Akhtar Khan Federal Government Polyclinic Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Pakistan. Author
  • Kashaf Royyan Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Author
  • Safa Javed Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8453-8670
  • Hafiz Muhammad Moaaz Sajid , Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/52a9k939

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Exercise Therapy, Knee Osteoarthritis, Mobile Health, Pain Management, Patient Satisfaction, Rehabilitation, Telemedicine

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint condition and a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. While physiotherapy is a cornerstone of non-surgical OA management, barriers to accessing clinic-based care often reduce adherence and limit outcomes. Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer a novel solution for delivering personalized, home-based rehabilitation.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of AI-tailored home physiotherapy with traditional clinic-based rehabilitation in improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing satisfaction among patients with knee OA.

Methods: A 12-month, single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, with 144 participants aged 45–70 years diagnosed with grade II–III knee OA. Participants were randomly assigned to either an AI-driven home physiotherapy group or a standard clinic-based rehabilitation group (n = 72 per group). Outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and patient satisfaction ratings. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures ANOVA and independent t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Participants in the AI group showed significantly greater improvements in WOMAC scores (58.6 ± 6.9 to 29.5 ± 6.2) and VAS scores (7.2 ± 1.0 to 3.1 ± 1.1) compared to the clinic group (p < 0.01). TUG test times and patient satisfaction ratings also favored the AI intervention. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: AI-tailored home physiotherapy is a clinically effective and patient-preferred alternative to conventional rehabilitation for knee OA, offering scalable benefits for enhancing access and outcomes in musculoskeletal care.

Author Biographies

  • Syed Gufran Sadiq Zaidi, Riphah International University, Pakistan.

    Masters of Public Health Student, Alumni of Riphah International University, Pakistan.

  • Muhammad Imtiaz Subhani, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan.

    Clinical Physiotherapist, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Mohammed Akhtar Khan, Federal Government Polyclinic Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Pakistan.

    Consultant Surgeon, Head of the Department Orthopedics, Federal Government Polyclinic Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Pakistan.

  • Kashaf Royyan, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

    DPT, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

  • Safa Javed, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

    Home Institute: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Hafiz Muhammad Moaaz Sajid, , Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

    MBBS Student, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-08-02