Virtual physical therapy platform reduced costs following total knee replacement surgery

Duke University researchers piloted a digital physical therapist tool with patients who underwent total knee replacement. Reflexion Health's virtual therapist guided patients through exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. The tech also monitored patients’ performance in those exercises and a physical therapist checked in at least weekly to discuss progress and make any adjustments. The researchers found cost savings, and safety and quality metrics were on par with traditional treatment. Pilot participants showed a high retention rate and those who underwent a second knee replacement requested virtual physical therapy on their second surgery.