Knee OsteoarthritisNCT07798973
Effects of Tele Rehabilitation vs Onsite Rehabilitation on Balance, Mobility, and Risk of Fall Among Geriatric Population With Knee Osteoarthritis
A study testing Telerehabilitation and Onsite Rehabilitation in people with Knee Osteoarthritis and Falls, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effects of telerehabilitation versus onsite rehabilitation on balance, mobility, and risk of fall among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Falls, Balance Impairment
- What is being tested?
- Telerehabilitation and Onsite Rehabilitation
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2026to 25 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥65 years. History of fall (within one month). Timed Up and Go (TUG) test score >14 seconds. Older adult having a smartphone. Older adult having at least Matric education. Berg Balance Scale score between 21 and 40. Osteoarthritis affecting one or both knees (already diagnosed)
Who cannot join
- Vision loss. Spinal pathology (monoplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia). Cognitive impairments. Neurological impairment. Physical handicap (loss of vision or loss of one limb).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effects of telerehabilitation versus onsite rehabilitation on balance, mobility, and risk of fall among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Knee osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal condition in older adults that is associated with pain, impaired balance, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of falls. Although onsite rehabilitation is effective, many elderly patients face barriers to accessing physiotherapy services because of transportation difficulties, physical limitations, and geographical distance. Telerehabilitation has emerged as an alternative approach that allows patients to receive supervised rehabilitation remotely using smartphone-based communication. In this study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either a telerehabilitation group or an onsite rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program for six weeks, with four sessions per week. Outcomes including balance, mobility, and risk of fall will be assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 6 to compare the effectiveness of the two rehabilitation approaches.
Read the detailed description
Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder among the geriatric population and is associated with pain, reduced functional mobility, impaired balance, and an increased risk of falls. These impairments often reduce independence and quality of life in older adults. Conventional onsite physiotherapy is widely recommended for managing knee osteoarthritis; however, many elderly individuals encounter barriers to receiving regular treatment due to transportation problems, limited access to rehabilitation facilities, and physical restrictions. Telerehabilitation provides an alternative model of care by delivering rehabilitation services remotely through telecommunication technology and may improve accessibility and continuity of care. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx The objective of this study is to determine the effects of telerehabilitation versus onsite rehabilitation on balance, mobility, and risk of fall among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study will use a single-blinded randomized controlled trial design. A total sample of 44 participants aged 65 years or older with diagnosed knee osteoarthritis will be recruited according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups by coin toss: a telerehabilitation group and an onsite rehabilitation group. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Both groups will receive the same rehabilitation program consisting of balance training and mobility exercises. The intervention will be performed four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30-minute sessions, resulting in 24 treatment sessions. Balance training will progress through static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance exercises. Mobility exercises will include heel raises, sit-to-stand activities, and step-up/step-down exercises. Participants in the telerehabilitation group will perform the exercises at home under remote supervision using a smartphone, while participants in the onsite rehabilitation group will receive the same program in the clinic. A caregiver will be required to remain present during tele-rehabilitation sessions to ensure participant safety. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline (week 0), week 3, and week 6 using the Berg Balance Scale to evaluate balance, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test to assess mobility, and a Fall Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate the risk of falls. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20. Normality of the data will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Ethical Committee of Ibadat International University Islamabad. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment, and participant confidentiality and privacy will be maintained throughout the study.
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Falls, Balance Impairment, Mobility Limitation
- Being tested
- Telerehabilitation, Onsite Rehabilitation
- Keywords
- Telerehabilitation, Onsite Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis, Knee, Mobility Limitation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
TelerehabilitationProcedure or surgery
Participants will receive a supervised home-based rehabilitation program through a smartphone. The intervention includes balance training (static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, reactive balance) and mobility exercises. The program will be delivered four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30-minute sessions (24 sessions total). Participants will be instructed during the assessment session, and a caregiver will remain present during each tele-rehabilitation session to ensure safety. If a video call is interrupted because of connectivity issues, the session will be resumed immediately.
Onsite RehabilitationProcedure or surgery
Also called Clinic-based Rehabilitation
Participants will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program in the clinic under physiotherapist supervision. The intervention includes static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, reactive balance, and mobility exercises. Treatment will be provided four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30-minute sessions (24 sessions total). The exercise protocol, frequency, intensity, duration, and assessment schedule will be identical to the telerehabilitation group
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive a supervised home-based rehabilitation program through a smartphone. The intervention includes balance training (static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance) and mobility exercises. Sessions will be conducted four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30 minutes per session (24 sessions total). A caregiver will be present during tele-rehabilitation sessions to ensure participant safety Receives: Procedure: Telerehabilitation |
| Onsite Rehabilitation | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program in the clinic under direct physiotherapist supervision. The intervention includes balance training (static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance) and mobility exercises. Sessions will be be conducted four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30 minutes per session (24 sessions total). Receives: Procedure: Onsite Rehabilitation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Balance
Balance will be assessed using the Berg
Balance Scale (BBS) to evaluate changes in balance performance following telerehabilitation and onsite rehabilitation.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 3, and Week 6
Secondary outcomes (1)
Mobility
Mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, which measures the time required for a participant to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, return, and sit down
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 3, and Week 6
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Sep 2026
- Study start10 Jan 2026
- Primary completion30 May 2026
- Study completion25 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Knee OsteoarthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: a telerehabilitation group and an onsite rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program for six weeks. The telerehabilitation group will perform supervised exercises remotely using a smartphone, while the onsite rehabilitation group will receive the same intervention in the clinic.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Muhammad Nazim, Phd, Principal investigator, Ibadat International University, Islamabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07798973
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/02/238
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Azma K, RezaSoltani Z, Rezaeimoghaddam F, Dadarkhah A, Mohsenolhosseini S. Efficacy of tele-rehabilitation compared with office-based physical therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2018;24(8):560-565. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Tedeschi R, Platano D, Pillastrini P, Berti L, Benedetti MG. Effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Digital Health. 2024;10:20552076241286186. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Plavoukou T, Iosifidis M, Papagiannis G, Stasinopoulos D, Georgoudis G. The Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Managing Pain, Strength, and Balance in Adult Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review. JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies. 2025;12:e72466.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Tele Rehabilitation vs Onsite Rehabilitation on Balance, Mobility, and Risk of Fall Among Geriatric Population With Knee Osteoarthritis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07798973
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/02/238
- Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Falls, Balance Impairment, Mobility Limitation
- Keywords
- Telerehabilitation, Onsite Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effects of telerehabilitation versus onsite rehabilitation on balance, mobility, and risk of fall among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Knee osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal condition in older adults that is associated with pain, impaired balance, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of falls. Although onsite rehabilitation is effective, many elderly patients face barriers to accessing physiotherapy services because of transportation difficulties, physical limitations, and geographical distance. Telerehabilitation has emerged as an alternative approach that allows patients to receive supervised rehabilitation remotely using smartphone-based communication. In this study, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either a telerehabilitation group or an onsite rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program for six weeks, with four sessions per week. Outcomes including balance, mobility, and risk of fall will be assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 6 to compare the effectiveness of the two rehabilitation approaches.
Detailed description
Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder among the geriatric population and is associated with pain, reduced functional mobility, impaired balance, and an increased risk of falls. These impairments often reduce independence and quality of life in older adults. Conventional onsite physiotherapy is widely recommended for managing knee osteoarthritis; however, many elderly individuals encounter barriers to receiving regular treatment due to transportation problems, limited access to rehabilitation facilities, and physical restrictions. Telerehabilitation provides an alternative model of care by delivering rehabilitation services remotely through telecommunication technology and may improve accessibility and continuity of care. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx The objective of this study is to determine the effects of telerehabilitation versus onsite rehabilitation on balance, mobility, and risk of fall among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study will use a single-blinded randomized controlled trial design. A total sample of 44 participants aged 65 years or older with diagnosed knee osteoarthritis will be recruited according to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups by coin toss: a telerehabilitation group and an onsite rehabilitation group. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Both groups will receive the same rehabilitation program consisting of balance training and mobility exercises. The intervention will be performed four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30-minute sessions, resulting in 24 treatment sessions. Balance training will progress through static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance exercises. Mobility exercises will include heel raises, sit-to-stand activities, and step-up/step-down exercises. Participants in the telerehabilitation group will perform the exercises at home under remote supervision using a smartphone, while participants in the onsite rehabilitation group will receive the same program in the clinic. A caregiver will be required to remain present during tele-rehabilitation sessions to ensure participant safety. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline (week 0), week 3, and week 6 using the Berg Balance Scale to evaluate balance, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test to assess mobility, and a Fall Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate the risk of falls. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20. Normality of the data will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Ethical Committee of Ibadat International University Islamabad. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment, and participant confidentiality and privacy will be maintained throughout the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups: a telerehabilitation group and an onsite rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program for six weeks. The telerehabilitation group will perform supervised exercises remotely using a smartphone, while the onsite rehabilitation group will receive the same intervention in the clinic.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Telerehabilitation | Experimental | Procedure: TelerehabilitationParticipants in this group will receive a supervised home-based rehabilitation program through a smartphone. The intervention includes balance training (static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance) and mobility exercises. Sessions will be conducted four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30 minutes per session (24 sessions total). A caregiver will be present during tele-rehabilitation sessions to ensure participant safety |
| Onsite Rehabilitation | Active comparator | Procedure: Onsite RehabilitationParticipants in this group will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program in the clinic under direct physiotherapist supervision. The intervention includes balance training (static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, and reactive balance) and mobility exercises. Sessions will be be conducted four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30 minutes per session (24 sessions total). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Age ≥65 years. History of fall (within one month). Timed Up and Go (TUG) test score >14 seconds. Older adult having a smartphone. Older adult having at least Matric education. Berg Balance Scale score between 21 and 40. Osteoarthritis affecting one or both knees (already diagnosed)
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Vision loss. Spinal pathology (monoplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia). Cognitive impairments. Neurological impairment. Physical handicap (loss of vision or loss of one limb).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| TelerehabilitationParticipants will receive a supervised home-based rehabilitation program through a smartphone. The intervention includes balance training (static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, reactive balance) and mobility exercises. The program will be delivered four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30-minute sessions (24 sessions total). Participants will be instructed during the assessment session, and a caregiver will remain present during each tele-rehabilitation session to ensure safety. If a video call is interrupted because of connectivity issues, the session will be resumed immediately. | Procedure or surgery | Telerehabilitation |
| Onsite RehabilitationAlso: Clinic-based RehabilitationParticipants will receive the same balance and mobility exercise program in the clinic under physiotherapist supervision. The intervention includes static balance, dynamic balance, sensory integration with visual integration, reactive balance, and mobility exercises. Treatment will be provided four days per week for six weeks, with approximately 30-minute sessions (24 sessions total). The exercise protocol, frequency, intensity, duration, and assessment schedule will be identical to the telerehabilitation group | Procedure or surgery | Onsite Rehabilitation |
Primary outcome
Balance
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 3, and Week 6
Balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to evaluate changes in balance performance following telerehabilitation and onsite rehabilitation.
1 secondary outcome
Mobility
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 3, and Week 6
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Sep 2026.
- Results publicationAzma K, RezaSoltani Z, Rezaeimoghaddam F, Dadarkhah A, Mohsenolhosseini S. Efficacy of tele-rehabilitation compared with office-based physical therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. 2018;24(8):560-565. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Tedeschi R, Platano D, Pillastrini P, Berti L, Benedetti MG. Effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Digital Health. 2024;10:20552076241286186. � FINAL SYNOPSIS FURQAN KHAN.docx Plavoukou T, Iosifidis M, Papagiannis G, Stasinopoulos D, Georgoudis G. The Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Managing Pain, Strength, and Balance in Adult Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review. JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies. 2025;12:e72466.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Muhammad Nazim, Phd principal investigator
Ibadat International University, Islamabad
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Telerehabilitation and Onsite Rehabilitation in people with Knee Osteoarthritis and Falls, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Balance (time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 3, and Week 6). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07798973, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Sep 2026.