Ntelligently Integrated Digital Rehabilitation Model Combining mHealth and ERAS in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Summary

Protocol

This study is a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a WeChat-based mini-program mobile health (mHealth) intervention combined with an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study will be conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from July 2025 to December 2025, approved by the Ethics Committee (SH9H-2025-021), and registered on a clinical trials platform.

The study population consists of adults scheduled for unilateral primary THA or TKA, aged 18-80 years, with basic smartphone proficiency. Exclusion criteria include revision surgery, bilateral surgery, severe cognitive impairment, or baseline depression. Using a block randomization method stratified by surgical site (hip vs. knee), eligible participants will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (ERAS + "Joint Rehabilitation Assistant" mini-program) or the control group (ERAS only). The control group receives standard ERAS management, while the intervention group additionally uses the theoretically-grounded mini-program (based on self-efficacy theory, health belief model, and learning theory), which provides personalized rehabilitation plans, progress tracking, community interaction, and emotional support.

The primary outcome is physical function (HOOS-PS/KOOS-PS) at 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include pain, psychological status, quality of life, and safety indicators. The calculated sample size is 70 patients per group (total 140), accounting for a 20% dropout rate. Statistical analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle, using linear mixed models to compare intergroup differences, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed. All outcome assessments will be conducted by blinded personnel to ensure data quality.

This protocol aims to validate the effectiveness and safety of the integrated digital rehabilitation model in improving functional recovery and quality of life, providing evidence-based support for post-arthroplasty rehabilitation

Conditions

• Total Knee Arthroplasty
• Total Hip Arthroplasty
• ERAS

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Integrated mHealth and ERAS Digital Rehabilitation via WeChat Mini-Program

This intervention arm is distinguished by the following key features: Theory-Driven Design: Uniquely integrates three established behavioral theories into its core functionality: Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory, the Health Belief Model, and Illeris's Learning Model. This theoretical foundation directly informs the app's features to target psychological and behavioral barriers to recovery. Multi-Functional Platform: Combines several evidence-based components into a single, cohesive platform within the ubiquitous WeChat ecosystem. Key features include: Visual Goal and Progress Tracking: Provides patients with "mastery experiences." Peer Community ("Modeling Community"): Features patient stories and videos to provide "vicarious experiences" and social support. AI-Powered Persuasion System: Delivers automated, personalized feedback and remote encouragement from healthcare providers. Built-in Emotional Management Tools: Includes an emotion diary

PROCEDURE

Standardized ERAS Protocol

Participants received only the standardized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, representing the conventional care model.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Affiliated Hospital Of Southwest Medical University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-01

Primary Completion

2025-10-31

Completion

2026-01-29

Countries

• China

Study Locations