Advancements in Physiotherapy: Technology-Enabled Rehabilitation, Wearable Monitoring, and Virtual Reality Applications for Musculoskeletal Care

Abstract

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the most common cause of disability in every region of the globe, and they have a tremendous impact on physical functioning, quality of life, and healthcare expenses. The traditional physiotherapy is the cornerstone of therapy but is being marred with lack of compliance, subjective performance and lack of accessibility. The trial was done to compare the effect of physiotherapy interventions alleviated through technology, sensor-based wearable monitoring and virtual reality (VR) based rehabilitation, with the traditional physiotherapy. It was a 12-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 120 participants with MSK conditions. The participants were divided to technology-based or traditional physiotherapy group and pain, ROM, muscle strength, functional ability, adherence and satisfaction were measured. The results demonstrated that there were much more improved outcomes in the technology condition with a reduction in pain to 62 percent, a 38 percent increase in ROM, functional outcomes and adherence and satisfaction. Real-time monitoring was supported by wearable data, and VR was more motivating and engaging. These results help to state that rehabilitation protocols supplemented with wearable devices and VR are more effective and can help patients be more satisfied. The paper also concludes that technological-enhanced physiotherapy is a novel method of maximizing musculoskeletal therapy to allow personalized, evidence-based, and affordable rehabilitation.