In-Person and Remote Physical Therapy Are Equally Effective for Chronic Knee Pain

Like telemedicine, telerehabilitation (remotely delivered physical therapy) became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and allowed many patients to continue their rehabilitation despite quarantines and lockdowns. Telerehabilitation could have a continuing role in improving patient access to care, but the relative effectiveness of remote and in-person rehabilitation has not been studied in rigorous clinical trials.

In a noninferiority trial, researchers in Australia randomized 394 adults with chronic knee pain (consistent with osteoarthritis) to in-person rehabilitation or remote treatment using videoconferencing software. Both groups had five consultations during 3 months for strengthening, physical activity, and education. Fifteen the…