Knee Biofeedback Rehabilitation Interface for Game-based Home Therapy for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability in the United States. As osteoarthritis is associated with the lower limb muscle weakness, rehabilitation through quadriceps strengthening is a well-established treatment for patients with knee OA, but patient adherence to exercise routines is low due to lack of guidance regarding optimal protocols and lack of engagement during the repetitive routines that patients find tedious and boring. The Knee Biofeedback Rehabilitation Interface for Game-based Home Therapy ("KneeBRIGHT") system combines electromyography (EMG) biofeedback with video game therapy to provide knee OA patients with an engaging, effective tool for conducting rehabilitation exercises at home. KneeBRIGHT aims to motivate patients with knee OA to conduct regular muscle strengthening exercise through an engaging, EMG-driven video game therapy. Overall goal of the program is to improve knee OA outcomes through effective and motivating rehabilitation exercises. Participants will be randomized to two groups: (1) KneeBRIGHT group; (2) Standard rehabilitation group. Both groups will undergo baseline and follow up assessment to measure the patient-reported outcomes and thigh muscle strength. Participants in both groups will undergo a 12-week program including 3 exercise sessions per week that includes a combination of in-person and at home sessions. Pre and post intervention outcome measures will be compared to explore the effectiveness. Technology acceptance will also be studied in patients randomized to KneeBRIGHT group.