The effect of mobile-app-based instruction on the physical function of female patients with knee osteoarthritis: a parallel randomized controlled trial

Background Osteoarthritis is a common disease and one of the most important causes of disability in the elderly that negatively affect the quality of their life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile app-based-instruction in improving physical performance of female patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods The present study was a randomized clinical trial. The sample included 64 female patients (40 to 70 years old) with knee osteoarthritis in Bojnurd city in 2018. They were selected from the available patients that were randomly divided into comparison and intervention groups. Before the intervention, demographic information questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, and 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) were employed to elicit data on demographic information, arthritis condition and health status of the participants. Intervention lasted for a period of two months for each group. Intervention group received mobile-app-based instruction coupled with routine cares, while comparison group just received the routine cares. After the intervention both groups were evaluated again in terms of arthritis condition and health status using the same scales. Results After the intervention, significant differences were found between the intervention and comparison groups in terms of overall WOMAC score (p = 0.005), pain aspect of WOMAC (p = 0.005), physical function aspect of WOMAC (p = 0.005), physical function aspect of SF-36 (p [less than or equai to] 0.05), and vitality aspect of SF-36 (p > 0.05). Conclusion The use of mobile-app-based instruction can enhance the physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Trial registration The research project was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20161208031300N2). Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Mobile app, Patients' training