Activity assessment and interest in wearable electronic activity monitoring devices among hip and knee osteoarthritis patients

Different strategies have been proposed to increase the physical activity level of hip and knee patients with degenerative joint disease in order to improve mobility, decrease the need for surgical intervention, and decrease complications and the need for revision surgery following total joint arthroplasty. An initiative was undertaken to improve the musculoskeletal health and surgical outcomes of the hip and knee patients that have been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease by the Johns Hopkins Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Anonymous surveys were used to collect basic demographic information and evaluate the current activity habits of patients with degenerative joint disease at this institution. In addition, these patients were surveyed regarding current use of electronic wearable activity monitoring devices (AMD) and, if they were not already using an AMD, their interest in future use of such devices for monitoring and improving joint health. The study tested the hypothesis that interest in utilization of such electronic AMDs was high among the patients with degenerative joint disease, and that the potential for increasing the movement of this patient population exists. Two hundred and seven participants were enrolled in this study. The interest in using these devices was found to be present among many age groups and patient backgrounds. Patient use or interest in using AMDs for physician guided joint health improvement were significantly higher with younger patients than in older patients (p = 0.0283 and p = 0.0366 respectively). However, interest was still 50% or greater in all age groups. There were no significant differences in exercise habits or interest in the technology based on race/ethnicity or sex. Future studies will use these devices with this patient population and will determine the total effect AMDs may have on improving joint health related to osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.