The acceptance and effect of continuous biofeedback on exercise behavior in TKA rehabilitation

The objective of this study was to assess accuracy, clinical acceptance and effect of a wearable computerized biofeedback knee goniometer (CBG), in TKA rehabilitation. The device provided feedback on reaching preset flexion and extension goals, prompted the patient to exercise when idle and recorded all the activity. A two stage study was carried out: a measurement validation study on 14 asymptomatic subjects; and a feedback on/off multiple crossover trial was performed on 11 TKA rehabilitation inpatients. Patient satisfaction was determined by a patient completed questionnaire, and exercise compliance was assessed, by calculating activity rate and stratified inter-activity intervals. The device provided unbiased estimates of clinician joint angle measurements between 0-100 degrees (F(1,13)=0.08, p=0.78). The CBG device was accepted well by most patients. Surprisingly, more Range of motion (ROM) activity was noted during feedback-off days than feedback-on days.