The complex face of lower limb rehabilitation – Why data could be key to successful recovery

Rehabilitation is an essential step in helping patients regain function and quality of life after injuries or surgeries. While treatment processes are usually well-defined, rehabilitation practices can often be complex and inconsistent. Each patient’s recovery journey should be unique, with varying symptoms, progress rates, and needs that can make rehabilitation feel unpredictable. However, in some cases rehabilitation seems to lack the attention and effort needed for successful recovery.

Take the case of a patient recovering from a fractured ankle. After having the cast removed, they may still experience significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Returning to normal activities, including work, may feel scary, especially without comprehensive instructions from their doctor on how to take the right steps towards recovery.

These cases highlight a common challenge: patients often rely on friends or the internet for guidance rather than receiving structured, personalized advice from health professionals. A comprehensive, personal approach to rehabilitation could make this process clearer and more effective, helping patients understand their progress and make safe decisions.

Recent research on lower limb rehabilitation – Emphasizing early movement and gradual loading

To gain more profound insights into the current challenges and potential solutions in rehabilitation, I consulted our adviser, Dr. Jussi Kosola, an orthopedic and traumatology surgeon and adjunct professor. His perspective is particularly valuable as he brings a forward-thinking approach to rehabilitation, advocating for a data-driven model.

According to him, while there are various philosophies surrounding rehabilitation, many current approaches still focus primarily on managing negative symptoms like pain and swelling. However, recent research emphasizes the importance of early movement and gradual loading of the injured leg. And Dr Kosola believes that modern technology could play a crucial role in supporting these principals.

Personalized data-based rehabilitation – Tracking the minor changes for safe and efficient recovery

In his own orthopedic practice, Dr Kosola highlights the importance of rehabilitation and a personalized approach to support his patients’ recovery. He sees technology as a vital component in achieving these goals, offering a fresh perspective that the traditional rehabilitation methods may lack.

 “Data-driven rehabilitation tools can provide the “optimal middle ground” – the exact timing and amount of load to apply on the injured leg for safe recovery” he explains. In other words, the right data can tell patients when to push a bit more and when to hold back, ensuring they are neither overloading nor under using their recovering limb. This precise calibration is essential to safe and effective recovery, and technology makes this possible in a way that standard assessments cannot.

Health professionals as coaches – Data integration for the transforming rehabilitation practices

Dr Kosola considers his role not just as a physician but as a coach who uses data to support his patients through their rehabilitation journey. This proactive, coaching approach is not yet a common view in healthcare, but Dr Kosola believes it is key to achieving better outcomes.

He uses insights from different devices and tracking apps to monitor progress closely and offers timely adjustments to the rehabilitation plan. This approach could enable other doctors and therapists as well to guide patients based on objective data rather than solely subjective assessments.

Key metrics like step counts, load distribution, and joint range of motion can help pinpoint moments when adjustments are needed, enabling early intervention if progress stalls or symptoms worsen.

“The integration of data into rehabilitation practices allows us to spot early warning signs of complications or deviations from the expected recovery path,” Dr Kosola points out. “For instance, if swelling or pain doesn’t subside as expected, the technology can alert healthcare providers to reassess the treatment plan quickly.”

Real-time adjustments and remote monitoring – Data supporting timely interventions

With technology, monitoring critical points in the recovery process becomes simpler and more accurate. “When suitable, I can remotely track progress and make small adjustments in real-time, even if I am not physically present with the patient.” This approach could be particularly beneficial for patients who live far from healthcare facilities or are unable to attend frequent in-person sessions.

A data-driven rehabilitation model can detect even minor changes in recovery and address them quickly, helping to ensure that patients are moving in the right direction. This proactive support reduces the risk of a new injury, shortens recovery times, and ultimately, leads to a more efficient return to daily life and work.

A data-driven future for lower limb rehabilitation

Lower limb rehabilitation is shifting from symptom management to a more dynamic, data-informed approach. With technology, we are moving towards a future where each patient’s rehabilitation journey is customized, transparent, and precisely monitored. Data allows for evidence-based decisions that help patients achieve faster, safer recoveries, empowering them to become active participants in their own healing process.

For patients, a data-driven approach means fewer uncertainties and a clearer path to recovery. For health professionals, it provides powerful tools to track and adapt rehabilitation plans with greater accuracy and confidence. Ultimately, technology could be the key to transforming lower limb rehabilitation into to more predictable, successful process.

Minna Lappi

MoveSole

minna.lappi(at)movesole.com

Jussi Kosola

orthopedic and traumatology surgeon and adjunct professor

jussi.kosola(at)optimahealth.fi

+358 41 318 7603

Further reading related to the topic:

Guerra ML, Singh PJ, Taylor NF. (2015). Early mobilization of patients who have had a hip or knee joint replacement reduces length of stay in hospital: a systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation. 29(9):844-854. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215514558641

Owens, J.G., Rauzi, M.R., Kittelson, A. et al. (2020). How New Technology Is Improving Physical Therapy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 13, 200–211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09610-6

Yang, C., Shang, L., Yao, S. et al. (2023). Cost, time savings and effectiveness of wearable devices for remote monitoring of patient rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Surg Res 18, 461. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-03898-z

Marmor MT, Grimm B, Hanflik AM, Richter PH, Sivananthan S, Yarboro SR, Braun BJ. (2022). Use of Wearable Technology to Measure Activity in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review. Indian J Orthop. Apr 9;56(7):1112-1122. doi: 10.1007/s43465-022-00629-0. PMID: 35813536; PMCID: PMC9232686. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35813536/