Effect of Knee Strengthening Exercises and Lifestyle Modifications Through Mobile Phone Support in People Suffering from Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE:The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile phone-based support in improving exercise adherence and outcomes in knee OA. DESIGNS:A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted with a follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, involving 210 participants allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received knee exercise flyers and mobile phone-based adherence support, while the control group received only standard instructions after physiotherapy. Outcome measures included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, numeric rating scale pain scores, and quality of life assessments at baseline and follow-ups at 3, 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS:The intervention group exhibited significant reductions in WOMAC scores, pain scores and improvement in quality of life over the 12-week follow-up compared to baseline. The intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvements in the outcomes as compared to control group. CONCLUSION:A combined intervention of knee exercises leaflets and SMS/phone-call adherence support led to significant improvements in pain, functional outcomes and quality of life among individuals with knee OA. These findings underscore the potential of mobile phone-based interventions as effective adjuncts to traditional therapies for knee OA.