Using a Mobile Application for In-Bed Conditioning Exercises for Orthopedic Postoperative Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile application designed to improve rehabilitation outcomes in patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries such as hip fracture fixation, spinal fusion, and total knee or hip arthroplasty. This prospective, single-arm pilot study focuses on patients over 65 years old with adequate cognitive function and mobile phone access. The goal is to supplement inpatient rehabilitation with app-prompted in-bed conditioning exercises to enhance mobility and physical therapy performance in a population at risk for poor mobility and higher morbidity. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either usual post-operative care alone or usual care plus the use of the mobile app. The app provides reminders for in-bed conditioning exercises, adjusting difficulty based on patient feedback. The initial pilot will enroll 15 patients, with plans to expand to a randomized controlled trial including 50 participants per group. Physical therapists will also provide feedback on the app's usability and patient interaction to assess feasibility. During the study, patient performance during physical therapy will be measured from postoperative day 1 to discharge (approximately days 3-5). Other assessments include patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, pain scores, app usage, exercise compliance, and adverse events up to 90 days. Physical therapists will monitor setup assistance and app use for up to 120 days. Total participation duration varies, with assessments conducted mainly during the hospital stay and follow-up for safety and feasibility.

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Mobile Application in Postoperative Rehabilitation