Expanding Role of Technology in Rehabilitation After Lower-Extremity Joint Replacement: A Systematic Review

[Fast-track arthroplasty and patient apps]

BACKGROUND

Fast-track arthroplasty is on the rise in Germany. In comparison to established fast-track countries, such as Denmark and the USA, Germany is only at the beginning of its implementation. The biggest challenges include increasing staff shortages and cost pressure as, well as the slow progress of digitalization.

FIELDS OF APPLICATION

The use of app-based patient management systems offers the opportunity to prepare the patient extensively for the surgical procedure, to rehabilitate them according to a standardized schedule, to avoid unnecessary doctor's visits, to save staff and, thus, reduce healthcare costs. Patient apps will also play an important role in collecting patient data and abnormalities in rehabilitation. By correlating intraoperative data from robotics, predictive statements about the surgical strategy, such as implant positioning or axis alignment may be possible. In this review, the essential contents of an app-based patient management system for fast-track arthroplasty are listed and discussed, and the possibilities for using patient data are presented.

Conception of a mobile health application targeting early postoperative physiotherapeutic care after total knee replacement, a qualitative study

Introduction

Mobile applications targeting physiotherapeutic care after total joint replacements are increasing in popularity among end-users. However, these applications were primarily conceived out of financial interest and lack an evidence-based programs tailored to the specific needs of the target population. The primary objective of this study is to describe the conception of an evidence-based mobile health application that targets early postoperative physiotherapeutic care after total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods

A literature search of eHealth applications targeting physical therapy after TKR was carried out. Articles were then screened and suggestions as well as recommendations were extracted to inform the design of a new application. The beta version of the application was then passed onto experts for evaluation. Final changes were then undertaken to account for the expert's opinions.

Results

Several reviews with recommendations for the design of applications targeting patients after total joint replacement were identified. Primarily, mobile applications targeting rehabilitative care after TKR need to be tailored to the needs of the elderly population. Additionally, no unified rehabilitative physiotherapeutic (PT) program was found reflecting a discrepancy regarding what exercises are most useful. A comparison of different programs yielded no significant difference favoring one single exercise regimen.

Discussion

As the elderly population was shown to be less proficient regarding the use of new technologies, the application at hand was explicitly made simple. Elements of different PT programs were incorporated and quadriceps strengthening exercises were included. application was composed based on the findings of the reviewed literature and then subsequently modified to incorporate the expert's suggestions. Experts mainly expressed concerns regarding the safety of patients during unsupervised physical therapy as well as the safety of the recorded data. Thus, password protection and a split between the physician's and the patient's interface was created.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Advancing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely performed surgical procedure that has evolved significantly due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. As demand for THA grows, reliable tools are essential to enhance diagnosis, preoperative planning, surgical precision, and postoperative rehabilitation. AI applications in orthopedic surgery offer innovative solutions, including automated hip osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis, precise implant positioning, and personalized risk stratification, thereby improving patient outcomes. Deep learning models have transformed OA severity grading and implant identification by automating traditionally manual processes with high accuracy. Additionally, AI-powered systems optimize preoperative planning by predicting the hip joint center and identifying complications using multimodal data. Robotic-assisted THA enhances surgical precision with real-time feedback, reducing complications such as dislocations and leg length discrepancies while accelerating recovery. Despite these advancements, barriers such as cost, accessibility, and the steep learning curve for surgeons hinder widespread adoption. Postoperative rehabilitation benefits from technologies like virtual and augmented reality and telemedicine, which enhance patient engagement and adherence. However, limitations, particularly among elderly populations with lower adaptability to technology, underscore the need for user-friendly platforms. To ensure comprehensiveness, a structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included "artificial intelligence", "machine learning", "robotics", and "total hip arthroplasty". Inclusion criteria emphasized peer-reviewed studies published in English within the last decade focusing on technological advancements and clinical outcomes. This review evaluates AI and robotics' role in THA, highlighting opportunities and challenges and emphasizing further research and real-world validation to integrate these technologies into clinical practice effectively.

Evaluating Self-Directed Rehabilitation for Knee and Hip Arthroplasty During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the adoption of new technologies to reduce the need for in-person physical therapy (PT). This study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PT utilization and outcomes of patients prescribed a smartphone-based care management platform (sbCMP) for self-directed rehabilitation (SDR). A secondary analysis of data collected in a multicenter, prospective cohort trial investigating a mobile platform to deliver SDR after arthroplasty was performed. Patients who used the sbCMP for 2 weeks prior to undergoing partial knee arthroplasty (PKA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or total hip arthroplasty (THA) and provided 3 months of post-operative data were included. Use of adjunct PT at 3 months, step counts, and KOOS JR and HOOS JR scores were compared during the early versus late pandemic period. The cohort data was available for 1665 patients. Use of SDR without adjunct PT was higher in the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic in TKA (35.3% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.03) and THA (72.5% vs. 59.3%, p < 0.001), but not in the PKA cohort (58.9% vs. 53.3%, p = 0.53). Post-operative step counts improved at 3 months compared to pre-operative levels in all procedure types. Change in HOOS JR and KOOS JR scores from pre-operative to post-operative levels were similar by pandemic period in all cohorts. Use of SDR increased early during the COVID-19 pandemic, corresponding to pandemic restrictions, without negatively impacting patient outcomes. SDR facilitated via a sbCMP may be beneficial for patients unable or unwilling to participate in traditional PT visits.

App-based telerehabilitation program for older adults on waiting list for physiotherapy after hospital discharge: a feasibility pragmatic randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Inactivity while waiting for outpatient physiotherapy worsens the physical deconditioning of older adults after hospital discharge. Exercise programs can minimize the progression of deconditioning. In developing countries, telerehabilitation for older adults on the waiting list is still in the early stages. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the study procedures of a telerehabilitation program for older adults waiting for outpatient physiotherapy after hospital discharge.

METHODS

This pragmatic randomized controlled trial recruited older adults (≥ 60 years) with several clinical diagnoses on the waiting list for outpatient physiotherapy in the Brazilian public health system after hospital discharge. The telerehabilitation group (n = 17) received a personalized program of multicomponent remote exercises using a smartphone app. The control group (n = 17) followed the usual waiting list. We assessed recruitment and dropout rates, safety, adherence, and satisfaction. The preliminary effects were verified on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

We recruited 5.6 older adults monthly; dropouts were 12%. No serious adverse events were associated with the telerehabilitation program. The weekly adherence was 2.85 (1.43) days, and in 63.3% of the weeks the participants were enrolled, they performed the exercise program at least twice a week. Participants rated the telerehabilitation program as 9.71 (0.21), and the safety of remote exercises without professional supervision as 8.6 (2.2) on a 0-10 scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The telerehabilitation program using a smartphone app was safe and presented high participants' satisfaction and adequate adherence, recruitment, and dropout rates. Therefore, the definitive study can be conducted with few modifications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC), RBR-9243v7. Registered on 24 August 2020. https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9243v7 .

[Orthopedics and trauma surgery in the digital age]

BACKGROUND

Digital transformation is shaping the future of orthopedics and trauma surgery. Telemedicine, digital health applications, electronic patient records and artificial intelligence play a central role in this. These technologies have the potential to improve medical care, enable individualized patient treatment plans and reduce the burden on the treatment process. However, there are currently challenges in the areas of infrastructure, regulation, reimbursement and data protection.

REALISING THE TRANSFORMATION

Effective transformation requires a deep understanding of both technology and clinical practice. Orthopedic and trauma surgeons need to take a leadership role by actively engaging with new technologies, designing new treatment processes and enhancing their medical skills with digital and AI competencies. The integration of digital skills into medical education and specialist training will be crucial for actively shaping the digital transformation and exploiting its full potential.

Telerehabilitation to Address the Rehabilitation Gap in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Care: Survey of Physical Therapists/Care Providers

Background

While the importance of structured rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), particularly in the return-to-sport phase, is known, for most patients, supervised physical therapy is often completed before this time point. The recent emergence of telerehabilitation and other digital health interventions has the potential to address this "rehabilitation gap."

Methods

The study was conducted as a cross-section, online survey collecting qualitative and quantitative data from open and closed questions. Inclusion criteria included local qualified physical therapists or other professionals working with ACLR patients.

Results

Eighty-three percent of respondents experienced a "rehabilitation gap" with their ACLR patients. Few reported currently utilizing apps or websites (9.74%). The majority (41/58) reported experience with telerehabilitation, and 84% felt that there was a role for digital rehabilitation strategies to address the "rehabilitation gap." The vast majority (94.74%) of participants felt that standard commercial insurance did not permit sufficient rehabilitation.

Discussion

While the majority of our respondents acknowledged the existence of a "rehabilitation gap," as well as familiarity with and confidence in telerehabilitation, few were using this technique at the time of our survey. This suggests an opportunity for development in this space.

Scaled TelePhysical Therapy Program a Promising Option for Post-acute Care of Lower-Extremity Arthroplasty Patients

Background

Post-acute care for orthopedic surgery patients continues to evolve with the reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS), shift to ambulatory surgery, increased number of surgeries, and focus on value-based care.

Purpose

We sought to examine outcomes of a cohort of lower-extremity arthroplasty patients receiving telephysical therapy (TelePT) according to hospital LOS, as a means of exploring the viability of TelePT as a value-based discharge option.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who participated in our institution's HSS@Home TelePT program after undergoing primary unilateral hip or knee arthroplasty, unicondylar knee replacement, or hip resurfacing. Demographic data and outcomes such as hospital LOS, number of days between discharge and TelePT evaluation, number of TelePT visits, number of re-admissions, Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome (HOOS Jr.) or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS Jr.) scores, and patient satisfaction scores were collected. Patients were divided into categories based on hospital LOS to help determine the versatility of program.

Results

In the 2814 patients included, we observed an average of 4.1 TelePT visits; 1% of patients were readmitted within 90 days, and 97% of patients were satisfied or highly satisfied. There was no difference in HOOS or KOOS Jr. scores at each follow-up time point, except for the 6-month HOOS Jr. scores.

Conclusion

This retrospective study suggests that TelePT may be a viable option for care of lower-extremity arthroplasty patients in the post-acute setting, regardless of hospital LOS. As a discharge option, it may meet the needs of select patients to fill a gap in providing value-based care.

Mobile Application Use and Patient Engagement in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

» Mobile applications (MAs) are widely available for use during the perioperative period and are associated with increased adherence to rehabilitation plans, increased satisfaction with care, and considerable cost savings when used appropriately.» MAs offer surgeons and health care stakeholders the ability to collect clinical data and quality metrics that are important to value-based reimbursement models and clinical research.» Patients are willing to use wearable technology to assist with data collection as part of MAs but prefer it to be comfortable, easy to apply, and discreet.» Smart implants have been developed as the next step in MA use and data collection, but concerns exist pertaining to patient privacy and cost.» The ongoing challenge of MA standardization, validation, equity, and cost has persisted as concerns regarding widespread use.

Mobile and Computer-Based Applications for Rehabilitation Monitoring and Self-Management After Knee Arthroplasty: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Successful post-knee replacement rehabilitation requires adequate access to health information, social support, and periodic monitoring by a health professional. Mobile health (mHealth) and computer-based technologies are used for rehabilitation and remote monitoring. The extent of technology use and its function in post-knee replacement rehabilitation care in low and middle-income settings are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To inform future mHealth intervention development, we conducted a scoping review to map the features and functionality of existing technologies and determine users' perspectives on telerehabilitation and technology for self-management.

METHODS

We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. We searched the Embase, Medline, PsycINFO via OVID, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for manuscripts published from 2001 onward. We included original research articles reporting the use of mobile or computer-based technologies by patients, health care providers, researchers, or family members. Studies were divided into the following 3 categories based on the purpose: validation studies, clinical evaluation, and end user feedback. We extracted general information on study design, technology features, proposed function, and perspectives of health care providers and patients. The protocol for this review is accessible in the Open Science Framework.

RESULTS

Of the 5960 articles, 158 that reported from high-income settings contributed to the qualitative summary (64 studies on mHealth or telerehabilitation programs, 28 validation studies, 38 studies describing users' perceptions). The highest numbers of studies were from Europe or the United Kingdom and North America regarding the use of a mobile app with or without wearables and reported mainly in the last decade. No studies were from low and middle-income settings. The primary functions of technology for remote rehabilitation were education to aid recovery and enable regular, appropriate exercises; monitoring progress of pain (n=19), activity (n=20), and exercise adherence (n=30); 1 or 2-way communication with health care professionals to facilitate the continuum of care (n=51); and goal setting (n=23). Assessment of range of motion (n=16) and gait analysis (n=10) were the commonly validated technologies developed to incorporate into a future rehabilitation program. Few studies (n=14) reported end user involvement during the development stage. We summarized the reasons for satisfaction and dissatisfaction among users across various technologies.

CONCLUSIONS

Several existing mobile and computer-based technologies facilitate post-knee replacement rehabilitation care for patients and health care providers. However, they are limited to high-income settings and may not be extrapolated to low-income settings. A systematic needs assessment of patients undergoing knee replacement and health care providers involved in rehabilitation, involving end users at all stages of development and evaluation, with clear reporting of the development and clinical evaluation can make post-knee replacement rehabilitation care in resource-poor settings accessible and cost-effective.

Problems and Opportunities of a Smartphone-Based Care Management Platform: Application of the Wald Principles to a Survey-Based Analysis of Patients' Perception in a Pilot Center

(1) Background: Mobile health (mHealth) solutions can become a means of improving functional recovery and reducing the peri-operative burden and costs associated with arthroplasty procedures. The aim of this study is to explore the objectives, functionalities, and outcomes of a platform designed to provide personalized surgical experiences to qualified patients, along with the associated problems and opportunities. (2) Methods: A survey-based analysis was conducted on patients who were prescribed the use of a specific care management platform and underwent primary robotic total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) between January 2021 and February 2023. (3) Results: Patients registered on the platform who have undergone primary robotic TKA (rTKA) were considered. The mean age of registered patients is 68.6 years. The male (M)/female (F) ratio is 45.1%/54.9%. The patients interviewed were at an average distance of 485 days from the intervention, with a standard deviation of 187.5. The survey highlighted appreciation for the app and its features, but also limitations in its use and in its perception by the patients. All these data were evaluated according to the Wald principles and strategies to improve patient recruitment, enhance adherence, and create a comprehensive patient journey for optimized surgical experiences. (4) Conclusions: This patient care platform may have the potential to impact surgical experiences by increasing patient engagement, facilitating remote monitoring, and providing personalized care. There is a need to emphasize the importance of integrating the recruiting process, improving adherence strategies, and creating a comprehensive patient journey within the platform.

The efficacy and safety of telerehabilitation for patients following total knee arthroplasty: a overviews of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of telerehabilitation in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have increased. However, the study quality and results differ, systematic reviews are limited. We aimed to synthesise systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the effects of telerehabilitation in patients post-TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness and safety of TKA telerehabilitation were retrieved from eight databases from establishment to 18 December 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) and GRADE system were used to evaluate results, methods, bias and evidence quality.

RESULTS

Thirteen systematic reviews and meta-analyses were analysed. The AMSTAR 2 showed low methodological quality in seven studies and very low quality in six. Among the key items, item 2 had been registered on website before systematic review in four reviews. Concerning item 4, did not provide a comprehensive search strategy in 4 reviews. For item 7, none of the reviews provided a list of reasons for excluding an article. For item 9, regarding whether appropriate tools were used to assess the risk of bias of each included study, one review was assessed as 'partially yes', one review only included RCTs, and the remainder were assessed as 'yes'. For item 11, one review did not specify the statistical methods used, and three reviews did not conduct a meta-analysis. For item 13, four reviews considered the risk of bias when interpreting or discussing the study results. For item 15, seven reviews did not evaluate publication bias. The PRISMA scores of the 13 reviews ranged from 17.5 to 26.0. The PRISMA indicated that 69.2% had no protocol registration, 38.5% did not provide other materials and evidence certainty, 23.1% did not provide certainty assessment, 30.8% did not report study bias. According to the ROBIS scale, diferrent domains have diferrent risks in all the reviews.

CONCLUSION

Telerehabilitation positively affects walking ability, knee extension and patient costs post-TKA surgery. Regarding the quality of life, patient satisfaction and the WOMAC, telerehabilitation had similar effects to conventional rehabilitation. Owing to the low quality of the studies, these conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, high-quality studies are needed in the future.

Sericin nano-gel agglomerates mimicking the pericellular matrix induce the condensation of mesenchymal stem cells and trigger cartilage micro-tissue formation without exogenous stimulation of growth factors in vitro

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are excellent seed cells for cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Though the condensation of MSCs is the first step of their differentiation into chondrocytes in skeletal development, the process is a challenge in cartilage repairing by MSCs. The pericellular matrix (PCM), a distinct region surrounding the chondrocytes, acts as an extracellular linker among cells and forms the microenvironment of chondrocytes. Inspired by this, sericin nano-gel soft-agglomerates were prepared and used as linkers to induce MSCs to assemble into micro-spheres and differentiate into cartilage-like micro-tissues without exogenous stimulation of growth factors. These sericin nano-gel soft-agglomerates are composed of sericin nano-gels prepared by the chelation of metal ions and sericin protein. The MSCs cultured on 2D culture plates self-assembled into cell-microspheres centered by sericin nano-gel agglomerates. The self-assembly progress of MSCs is superior to the traditional centrifugation to achieve MSC condensation due to its facility, friendliness to MSCs and avoidance of the side-effects of growth factors. The analysis of transcriptomic results suggested that sericin nano-gel agglomerates offered a soft mechanical stimulation to MSCs similar to that of the PCM to chondrocytes and triggered some signaling pathways as associated with MSC chondrogenesis. The strategy of utilizing biomaterials to mimic the PCM as a linker and as a mechanical micro-environment and to induce cell aggregation and trigger the differentiation of MSCs can be employed to drive 3D cellular organization and micro-tissue fabrication in vitro. These cartilage micro-masses reported in this study can be potential candidates for cartilage repairing, cellular building blocks for 3D bio-printing and a model for cartilage development and drug screening.

The role of telemedicine in joint replacement surgery? An updated review

The usage of telemedicine and telehealth services has grown tremendously and has become increasingly relevant and essential. Technological advancements in current telehealth services have supported its use as a viable alternative tool to conduct visits for consultations, follow-up, and rehabilitation in total joint arthroplasty. Such technology has been widely implemented, particularly during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to deliver postoperative rehabilitation among patients receiving total joint arthroplasty (TJA), further demonstrating its feasibility with a lower cost yet comparable clinical outcomes when compared with traditional care. There remains ample potential to utilize telemedicine for prehabilitation to optimize the preoperative status and postoperative outcomes of patients with osteoarthritis. In this review, various implementations of telemedicine within total joint arthroplasty and future application of telemedicine to deliver tele-prehabilitation in TJA are discussed.

Telerehabilitation has similar clinical and patient-reported outcomes compared to traditional rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Telehealth rehabilitation (telerehab) is an increasingly popular cost-saving alternative to traditional rehabilitation after total joint arthroplasty. We compared the safety and efficacy of an institutional telerehab program to conventional "face-to-face" rehabilitation in a sample of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

A retrospective matched cohort study was performed. Medicare patients who utilized telerehab following unilateral TKA were matched in a 1:3 ratio to those utilizing conventional rehabilitation. Patients were matched on sex, body mass index (BMI, ± 5 kg/m2), preoperative extension (± 10 degrees), preoperative flexion (± 10 degrees), and Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) score (± 2 points). Ninety-day unplanned healthcare encounters, 120-day manipulations under anesthesia (MUAs), and 6-week and 3-month changes in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR), pain visual analog scale (VAS), Veterans RAND 12 (VR-12), and Lower-Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-two telerehab patients and 244 conventional rehab patients were included. After matching, there were no differences in 90-day unplanned healthcare encounters or 120-day MUA rates between groups. There were no differences in 6-week or 3-month changes in KOOS-JR, VAS pain, or VR-12 mental or physical sub-scores between groups. Telerehab patients had a greater improvement in LEAS score at 3 months compared to the conventional group (mean difference 1.9, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

In a matched cohort study of 326 TKA patients, telerehab patients had similar rates of unplanned healthcare encounters and MUAs and similar patient-reported outcomes compared to conventional PT patients, suggesting that telerehab can be an equally effective alternative to conventional PT following TKA.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Self-Reported Outcomes in Early Postoperative Management After Shoulder Surgery Using a Home-Based Strengthening and Stabilization System With Telehealth

BACKGROUND

Multiple rehabilitation protocols after shoulder surgery have been proposed. The coronavirus pandemic adds an extra layer of complexity to postoperative rehabilitation after shoulder surgery.

HYPOTHESIS

The combined use of a home-based rehabilitation system, the Shoulder Strengthening and Stabilization System (SSS), and telehealth visits will lead to acceptable patient self-reported outcomes and satisfaction after shoulder surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

A total of 132 patients were prescribed SSS after shoulder surgery. A virtual clinical specialist monitored patients through telehealth visits as prescribed by the treating physician. Data were collected prospectively during each telehealth visit. Patients completed an exit survey during their last telehealth visit.

RESULTS

The use of SSS with telehealth revealed a positive impact on postoperative shoulder rehabilitation (96%), pain (71%), and stiffness (92%) as reported by patients. Both pain scores and pain medication use decreased from the 1st to 8th postoperative telehealth session (P < 0.01). Nearly all (93%) patients recommended SSS after shoulder surgery upon completing the SSS protocol.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative management of shoulder surgery with SSS combined with telehealth results in a reduction in patient pain levels in the early postoperative period. Patients reported high levels of improvement with SSS in shoulder rehabilitation, pain, and stiffness. The overwhelming majority (93%) of patients recommended SSS for postoperative shoulder rehabilitation and SSS yielded high patient satisfaction scores. Elucidating the impact of SSS on clinical outcomes and function in comparison with traditional rehabilitation protocols is warranted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

SSS in combination with telehealth was tolerated well by patients and may represent an alternative or adjunct to traditional rehabilitation protocols.

Early Virtual-Reality-Based Home Rehabilitation after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The benefits of early virtual-reality-based home rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty (THA) have not yet been assessed. The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy of early rehabilitation via the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) versus traditional rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes after THA. Subjects were randomized either to an experimental (VRRS; n = 21) or a control group (control; n = 22). All participants were invited to perform a daily home exercise program for rehabilitation after THA with different administration methods—namely, an illustrated booklet for the control group and a tablet with wearable sensors for the VRRS group. The primary outcome was the hip disability (HOOS JR). Secondary outcomes were the level of independence and the degree of global perceived effect of the rehabilitation program (GPE). Outcomes were measured before surgery (T0) and at the 4th (T1), 7th (T2), and 15th (T3) day after surgery. Mixed-model ANOVA showed no significant group effect but a significant effect of time for all variables (p < 0.001); no differences were observed in HOOS JR between VRRS and the control at T0, T1, T2, or T3. Further, no differences in the level of independence were found between VRRS and the control, whereas the GPE was higher at T3 in VRSS compared to the control (4.76 ± 0.43 vs. 3.96 ± 0.65; p < 0.001). Virtual-reality-based home rehabilitation resulted in similar improvements in functional outcomes with a better GPE compared to the traditional rehabilitation program following THA. The application of new technologies could offer novel possibilities for service delivery in rehabilitation.