Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To examine changes in function and pain interference among patients utilizing a digital exercise therapy application (DETA) for knee and shoulder pain.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients utilizing a DETA for non-operative knee and shoulder pain. Primary outcomes for the study were 8-week changes in physical function, measured using the PROMIS-Physical Function (knee pain) and PROMIS-Upper Extremity Function (shoulder pain); and pain interference, measured using the PROMIS-Pain Interference. Data on patient characteristics was used to examine outcomes among specific patient subgroups.
Results
We observed a 3.5 point (SD: 7.8) increase in function and a 3.9 point (SD: 7.5) decrease in pain interference overall (p
Conclusion
We observed a clinically meaningful improvement in pain interference and function among patients utilizing a DETA for knee and shoulder pain. Patients with knee pain, higher levels of education, more acute symptoms, and those who reported higher levels of exertion with exercise experienced the greatest changes in function and pain.
Impact Statement
This study indicates that self-guided interventions, such as those delivered through a DETA, may be beneficial for patients with knee and shoulder pain. These results may also inform the development of patient profiles that can be used to identify patients most appropriate to receive care through a mobile application.