Digital rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction-A systematic review.

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the implementation of digital rehabilitation in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). A systematic literature research was carried out on multiple platforms. Articles that fit our criteria were selected and analysed. We created a narrative synthesis of the extracted data, categorised by the type of digital application (sensor or no sensor), clinical characteristics and type of outcome. A formal meta-analysis was not planned as the studies were probably not homogeneous enough in terms of participants, interventions and outcomes to provide a meaningful summary. This systematic review analysed seven articles with 952 patients studying digital applications in rehabilitation⁠ after ACLR. Seven different digital applications were investigated, with three using sensors. The results showed that digital interventions were at least as effective as standard physiotherapy, with some studies showing even better outcomes in terms of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), muscle strength, and range of motion⁠. Patient engagement and better adherence to the rehabilitation plan was another positive finding. Importantly, no adverse events were reported in any of the studies⁠. This systematic review highlights the potential of digital applications as valuable tools for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction by enhancing patient adherence, engagement, and recovery outcomes. Level N/A.