Effects of telerehabilitation on pain and physical function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study Summary

7 randomized controlled trials including 531 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing telerehabilitation with conventional rehabilitation, usual care, health education, or printed exercise programs. Pooled outcomes included pain, Kujala/Anterior Knee Pain Scale (Kujala/AKPS) scores, knee flexion, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing. Telerehabilitation significantly reduced pain and improved Kujala/AKPS scores and knee flexion, but it did not significantly improve activity level, kinesiophobia, or pain catastrophizing. Overall, telerehabilitation appears to improve pain and physical function while expanding access to rehabilitation, although its psychological benefits remain uncertain.