About this Research Topic
Telerehabilitation has emerged as a vital component of healthcare, particularly in the context of the global push towards digital health solutions. This shift has been accelerated by the need to provide continuous care amidst challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, where in-person interactions were significantly reduced. Telerehabilitation refers to the delivery of rehabilitation services through telecommunications technology, allowing for remote monitoring, assessment, and intervention.
The concept of telerehabilitation has been explored since the early 2000s, with initial applications primarily in neurorehabilitation for stroke patients. Early studies focused on the feasibility and patient satisfaction with remote rehabilitation services. While these studies demonstrated that telerehabilitation could be a viable alternative to traditional, in-person rehabilitation, they also highlighted significant challenges, such as the need for technological infrastructure, patient and provider training, and concerns about the effectiveness of remote interventions compared to face-to-face therapy.
The progress in telerehabilitation has been significantly driven by advancements in technology. The development of high-speed internet, sophisticated video conferencing tools, and wearable sensors has enhanced the ability to deliver complex rehabilitation programs remotely. These tools allow for real-time monitoring of patients' physical activities, enabling therapists to provide immediate feedback and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into telerehabilitation platforms has enabled the development of personalized rehabilitation programs. AI algorithms can analyze patient data, predict recovery trajectories, and recommend interventions tailored to individual needs. This has been particularly beneficial in managing chronic conditions, where continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans are crucial.
The goal of this research topic is to gather clinical trials focused on the application of telerehabilitation in postoperative rehabilitation and conservative treatment of orthopedic diseases. We are also interested in exploring new technologies designed to enhance the use of telerehabilitation. We believe that the future of telerehabilitation lies in its ongoing integration with emerging technologies. The increasing prevalence of wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, will provide continuous data on patient activity levels, vital signs, and overall health. This data can be leveraged to refine rehabilitation programs, making them more responsive to the evolving needs of patients. Furthermore, the advancement of sophisticated virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies holds significant promise for enhancing the telerehabilitation experience. These technologies have the potential to create immersive environments that simulate real-world tasks, allowing patients to practice and improve their functional abilities in a controlled, virtual setting.
We invite experts in medical imaging and orthopaedics—both clinicians and researchers—to submit their manuscripts for this research topic. Submissions may include literature reviews (narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses) as well as original research (clinical trials, cohort studies, experimental laboratory work, and case-control studies). We especially welcome multidisciplinary projects, innovative breakthroughs, and papers with high potential for clinical translation.
This research topic welcomes high-quality research papers on the following topics:
1. Application of telemedicine in postoperative rehabilitation
2. Telemedicine in the Conservative Management of Osteoarthritis
3. Wearable Technology and Telemedicine in Monitoring Postoperative Recovery
4. Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
5. Patient Safety and Risk Management in Telemedicine for Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
The concept of telerehabilitation has been explored since the early 2000s, with initial applications primarily in neurorehabilitation for stroke patients. Early studies focused on the feasibility and patient satisfaction with remote rehabilitation services. While these studies demonstrated that telerehabilitation could be a viable alternative to traditional, in-person rehabilitation, they also highlighted significant challenges, such as the need for technological infrastructure, patient and provider training, and concerns about the effectiveness of remote interventions compared to face-to-face therapy.
The progress in telerehabilitation has been significantly driven by advancements in technology. The development of high-speed internet, sophisticated video conferencing tools, and wearable sensors has enhanced the ability to deliver complex rehabilitation programs remotely. These tools allow for real-time monitoring of patients' physical activities, enabling therapists to provide immediate feedback and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into telerehabilitation platforms has enabled the development of personalized rehabilitation programs. AI algorithms can analyze patient data, predict recovery trajectories, and recommend interventions tailored to individual needs. This has been particularly beneficial in managing chronic conditions, where continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans are crucial.
The goal of this research topic is to gather clinical trials focused on the application of telerehabilitation in postoperative rehabilitation and conservative treatment of orthopedic diseases. We are also interested in exploring new technologies designed to enhance the use of telerehabilitation. We believe that the future of telerehabilitation lies in its ongoing integration with emerging technologies. The increasing prevalence of wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, will provide continuous data on patient activity levels, vital signs, and overall health. This data can be leveraged to refine rehabilitation programs, making them more responsive to the evolving needs of patients. Furthermore, the advancement of sophisticated virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies holds significant promise for enhancing the telerehabilitation experience. These technologies have the potential to create immersive environments that simulate real-world tasks, allowing patients to practice and improve their functional abilities in a controlled, virtual setting.
We invite experts in medical imaging and orthopaedics—both clinicians and researchers—to submit their manuscripts for this research topic. Submissions may include literature reviews (narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses) as well as original research (clinical trials, cohort studies, experimental laboratory work, and case-control studies). We especially welcome multidisciplinary projects, innovative breakthroughs, and papers with high potential for clinical translation.
This research topic welcomes high-quality research papers on the following topics:
1. Application of telemedicine in postoperative rehabilitation
2. Telemedicine in the Conservative Management of Osteoarthritis
3. Wearable Technology and Telemedicine in Monitoring Postoperative Recovery
4. Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
5. Patient Safety and Risk Management in Telemedicine for Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
Keywords: Telerehabilitation, Digital Health Solutions, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Wearable Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
