The Effects of Conventional Exercise Combined With Core Stabilization Exercise by Telerehabilitation in Patients With Hip and/or Knee Osteoarthritis

Age-related hip and knee osteoarthritis is the leading cause of pain and locomotor problems worldwide. There is no definitive solution in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. In the guidelines of the American Rheumatology Association, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods are recommended for the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. The effectiveness of different exercise programs for the periarticular muscles in hip and knee osteoarthritis has been proven, but there is no consensus on the superiority of exercise protocols over each other. With the increase in home isolation of individuals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation applications have gained popularity.In the literature, there is a need for studies investigating the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, our study will help develop alternative exercises for individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis. In the literature, there is no study investigating the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises applied with the telerehabilitation method in patients with knee osteoarthritis and comparing them with conventional exercise. According to the data to be obtained as a result of the study, the use of core stabilization exercises in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis will contribute to the literature as an alternative exercise method. The application of these exercises with the telerehabilitation method in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis will highlight new studies in the literature as a unique methodology. Thus, it will contribute to the development of cost-effective rehabilitation methods in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

The hypotheses of this study are as follows:

H0:There is no difference between the effects of combined exercise with telerehabilitation (conventional exercise + core stabilization exercise) and the effects of conventional exercise in the treatment of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis.

H1:Combined exercise with telerehabilitation application (conventional exercise + core stabilization exercise) is more effective than conventional exercise in the treatment of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis.

Main Purpose: To compare the effects of conventional exercise and core stabilization exercises by telerehabilitation on pain, postural control, functional level, and fear of falling in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis.

Secondary Purposes:

* To evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercises on pain, postural control, functional level, fear of falling in female patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis.
* To evaluate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation exercise in female patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis.
* To determine the possible limitations that may be encountered in the application of exercise by telerehabilitation in female patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and to provide appropriate conditions for the patients.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Woman
* 40 years or older
* Diagnosed with primary hip and/or knee osteoarthritis as a result of radiological and clinical examination
* Informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Using an assistive device
* Prior orthopedic surgery of the knee and hip
* Intra-articular injection of the knee in the last 3 months
* Clinical or radiological meniscus, cartilage and/or ligament problem
* Severe physical trauma in the past 3 months
* Severe psychological trauma in the past 3 months
* Arterial and venous circulation disorder
* Presence of skin lesions on and around the knee joint
* Presence of neuromuscular disease and/or neurological deficit
* Presence of vertigo, diabetes mellitus, hearing and vision problems
* Not having the technologies to access telerehabilitation services