Abstract Background: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of programmed exercise with telerehabilitation at home in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis on visual analogue scale scores, body mass index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Methods: This research is a pre–post study in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Research subjects performed a series of exercise programs at home for 28 days. Before the program, there was an initial assessment from a psychologist and a nutritionist. During the program, there was tele-education, telemonitoring, and teleconsultation from doctors. Twenty-six female subjects participated. Results: Visual analogue scale scores decreased statistically significantly every week, until the end of the fourth week, compared with before the intervention (p<0.001). Body mass index and WOMAC scores decreased statistically significantly at the end of the fourth week compared with before the intervention (both p<0.001). Further analysis of all WOMAC components in the intervention group, including pain, stiffness, and physical function, also showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001). Conclusion: Programmed exercise as part of telerehabilitation at home has been statistically proven to reduce visual analogue scale scores, body mass index, and WOMAC in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis.
Telerehabilitation ; Knee Osteoarthritis ; Obesity ; Body Mass Index ; Visual Analogue Scale ; WOMAC

BACKGROUND : Exergames have been proven to effectively improve physical function, particularly in the elderly. Although, older adults were once considered a low-tech population, tailored exergame interventions have proven beneficial. However, utilizing virtual reality (VR) in group presents challenges related to both cognitive acceptance and cardiovascular tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular responses, safety, and exercise intensity or VR-based exergaming in an acute care setting and to explore what to consider when giving exergames to subjects with high comorbidity. METHODS : This pre-post study used the Oculus Meta Quest 2® platform in 32 elderly participants. Each completed a single exergame session. Pre- and post-session assessments included measurements of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Cardiopulmonary sentinel signs were monitored thoroughly. RESULTS : Post-exergame HR was significantly higher than baseline (82 [18] beats per minute [bpm] versus 79 [17] bpm; p = 0.004; mean difference: 4 [8] bpm). Blood pressure decreased slightly, but not significantly (SBP: −1 [14] mmHg, p = 0.837; DBP: 0 [12] mmHg, p = 0.829). Most participants experienced light-intensity activities (n = 26, 81%). No sentinel events occurred. CONCLUSIONS A single session of VR exergaming safely increased HR above baseline in elderly participants, with activity predominantly classified as light intensity. Further studies should explore the determinants of exergame intensity to optimize prescriptions and tailoring.
elderly ; exergames ; heart rate ; virtual reality