Efficacy of AI-Driven and Traditional Physical Therapy Programs in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

This study is a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial designed to compare the efficacy of an AI-guided physical therapy program with a traditional physical therapy program in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

A total of 40 patients with knee osteoarthritis will be recruited from the Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Eligible participants will be aged 45-70 years and diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups.

The control group will receive a conventional physical therapy program consisting of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises. Treatment will be provided three times per week for 12 weeks.

The AI-guided group will receive an individualized rehabilitation program generated using ChatGPT-4. Standardized patient information, including age, sex, pain intensity, functional disability, knee range of motion, symptom duration, and physical activity level, will be entered by the researcher to generate an evidence-based rehabilitation program for each participant.

Both groups will also receive education regarding lifestyle modification and joint protection strategies.

Outcome measures will be assessed before and after the intervention. Pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), knee range of motion using a digital goniometer, knee-related pain, stiffness, and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and functional mobility and fall risk using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

The study will compare changes in these outcomes between the two groups to determine the relative efficacy of AI-guided and traditional physical therapy programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants will be recruited through outpatient orthopedic clinics and community health centers affiliated with the study sites.
• Their age will be ranged from 45-70 years.
• Their body mass index (BMI) will be ranged from 24.9 to 30 kg /m2 .
• With a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis based on American College of Rheumatology criteria, with Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III osteoarthritis, and who will able to ambulate
• Independently walk without assistive devices.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior knee replacement surgery, inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
• Recent intra-articular steroid injections within three months.
• Neurologic impairments affecting lower limb function.
• Inability to comprehend or use the mobile application due to cognitive or sensory impairments.