Effects of Tele Rehabilitation vs Onsite Rehabilitation on Balance, Mobility, and Risk of Fall Among Geriatric Population With Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder among the geriatricpopulation and is associated with pain, reduced functional mobility, impaired balance,and an increased risk of falls. These impairments often reduce independence and qualityof life in older adults. Conventional onsite physiotherapy is widely recommended formanaging knee osteoarthritis; however, many elderly individuals encounter barriers toreceiving regular treatment due to transportation problems, limited access torehabilitation facilities, and physical restrictions. Telerehabilitation provides analternative model of care by delivering rehabilitation services remotely throughtelecommunication technology and may improve accessibility and continuity of care. �FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx The objective of this study is to determine the effectsof telerehabilitation versus onsite rehabilitation on balance, mobility, and risk of fallamong geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study will use a single‐blindedrandomized controlled trial design. A total sample of 44 participants aged 65 years orolder with diagnosed knee osteoarthritis will be recruited according to the predefinedinclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groupsby coin toss: a telerehabilitation group and an onsite rehabilitation group. � FINALSYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Both groups will receive the same rehabilitation programconsisting of balance training and mobility exercises. The intervention will be performedfour days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30‐minute sessions, resulting in 24treatment sessions. Balance training will progress through static balance, dynamicbalance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance exercises.Mobility exercises will include heel raises, sit‐to‐stand activities, andstep‐up/step‐down exercises. Participants in the telerehabilitation group will performthe exercises at home under remote supervision using a smartphone, while participants inthe onsite rehabilitation group will receive the same program in the clinic. A caregiverwill be required to remain present during tele‐rehabilitation sessions to ensureparticipant safety. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Outcome assessments will beconducted at baseline (week 0), week 3, and week 6 using the Berg Balance Scale toevaluate balance, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test to assess mobility, and a Fall RiskAssessment Tool to evaluate the risk of falls. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version20. Normality of the data will be assessed using the Shapiro‐Wilk test. Ethical approvalwill be obtained from the Ethical Committee of Ibadat International University Islamabad.Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment, andparticipant confidentiality and privacy will be maintained throughout the study.