Rehabilitation Interventions Delivered via Telehealth to Support Self-Management of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Disease: A Scoping Review.

Objective: To identify and summarize existing telerehabilitation interventions for people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), including the rehabilitation components, the technology used, the type of health care professional (HCP) interaction, and how the effectiveness is evaluated.

Methods: Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched and screened for articles between 2011 and November 2021, and an updated search was completed up to March 2023. The search targeted peer-reviewed scientific publications involving adults diagnosed with an RMD, which can be considered for self-management (population), rehabilitation interventions including HCP interaction (concept), and interventions delivered via telehealth for home-based or outpatient settings (context).

Results: In total, 120 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 84 unique telerehabilitation interventions identified. These interventions most commonly targeted people living with knee osteoarthritis (n = 41) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 17). Study-specific web platforms and websites were used in 32 interventions, whereas smartphone applications and social and instant messaging applications were used in 14 and 9 interventions, respectively. Videoconferencing software and services were used to communicate with HCPs in 20 interventions. Physiotherapists had a role in delivering 47 interventions, and audio communication was observed in 43 interventions. Most interventions (n = 44) lasted between 8 and 15 weeks.

Conclusion: A diverse range of digital technologies are being used in the delivery of remote rehabilitation for people living with RMDs. Further studies are required to explore the longevity of telerehabilitation interventions, the optimal delivery methods, and level of HCP contact needed to support people living with RMDs in their self-management.