Development of a Rehabilitation Monitoring System on Web-Based Application for Patients with Knee Pain

Internet-based technology significantly enhanced quality of health service delivery processes. Web-based intervention delivered via the computer or eHealth has been used intensively to provide medical information for supporting behavior changes, and to manage chronic diseases and health issues such as diabetes, obesity, pain, and mental health. Exercise therapy or rehabilitation also needs an approach to delivery rehabilitation programs for home-based exercises, and to monitor patient's recovery progresses. Knee pain is a common complaint of musculoskeletal disorders which was recommended for managing with exercise therapy. This research aimed to design and develop the system that can provide two-way communication for rehabilitation monitoring between physical therapists and patients with knee pain. Functions for delivery exercise regimens and track patient's recovery data were also included. Requirement from stakeholders (physical therapists and patients) were analyzed. System contents and relevant data were gathered. Data flow diagrams and system flows were designed. Rehabilitation monitoring system on web-based application for patients with knee pain was developed. The system was evaluated by stakeholder for usability study. A total of 5 physical therapists and 6 patients were recruited and participated in this study. The usability questionnaire was used to collect quantitative information on subjective user preferences and recommendation. Positive feedback revealed the utility of this rehabilitation monitoring system. This system provided an approach to delivery exercise regimens, alternative approach for memory-aid exercise instructed, support rehabilitation monitoring data tracking, and facilitate communication between health care provider and patients.