The Use of Technology within Lifestyle Interventions in Osteoarthritis

Description

This presentation by Dr. Richard Jones focuses on the role of technology in lifestyle interventions for osteoarthritis (OA) management as part of the OA Tech program. It begins by detailing the significant financial burden OA imposes on the NHS, highlighting its prevalence and the fact that it is a leading cause of disability among adults over 45. Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of conservative management and lifestyle interventions to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.



The discussion highlights recent trends in surgery rates paralleling the increase in OA cases, stressing the need for early intervention and long-term management through technology integration. A scoping review conducted between 2010 and 2020 focused on the use of technology to support lifestyle interventions, yielding insights into various technological themes, including telerehabilitation, movement measurement, and biofeedback.



Dr. Jones describes the study methods and outcomes, noting that while telerehabilitation showed promise, there remains a need for better integration of patient feedback and objective data to improve adherence to exercise regimens. Challenges include the embryonic stage of current technologies and the necessity of patient engagement in technology development to ensure its practical application and effectiveness. The presentation concludes with a call for proactive strategies to address OA effectively, integrating emerging technologies that can facilitate remote therapy and real-time patient feedback.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221101

Specialties