Efficacy of connected devices in promoting physical activity and rehabilitation among patients with Rheumatoid arthritis and Spondyloarthritis: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of connected devices in promoting physical activity and rehabilitation among patients with IRD.

Data sources: Keywords related to connected devices, physical activity, rehabilitation, and IRD (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis) were used to search for intervention trials published as articles and abstracts in the databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, American College of Rheumatology (ACR) abstract archive and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) abstract archive. No restrictions were applied in terms of publication date.

Study selection: Interventions consisting of connected used for promoting physical activity and rehabilitation were included. Studies reporting the following primary or secondary outcomes: physical activity measurements, function of a limb region, and performance-based physical function tests were included. Studies reporting only disease activity outcomes or only evaluating feasibility of connected programs were excluded.

Data Extraction: Data from each report were extracted by two researchers independently. The obtained data were narratively summarized.

Data Synthesis: The search identified584 studiesand15met the inclusion criteria. The studies’ design was: randomized controlled trials (n=9), non-randomized intervention trials (n=3), cross-sectional study (n=1), prospective observational study (n=1), and a case-control study (n=1). Promoting physical activity using a wearable device, was improved significantly in one study. Among 9 studies assessing rehabilitation, a significant improvement was found in four studies for hand strength, in 2 studies for cardiorespiratory fitness, and in 2 studies for muscle endurance. Two of the 3 studies focusing mobility showed a significant increase for intervention groups.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that connected devices are simple and safe tools to improve mainly performance-based physical function in patients with IRD. However, further studies with larger population sizes and a longer follow-up period are needed to make reliable conclusions.