Efficacy of virtual reality and mechanotherapy technologies in the rehabilitation of patients with osteoporosis after surgical treatment of femoral fractures

BACKGROUND: The primary goal of rehabilitation after a femoral fracture surgery in patients with osteoporosis is to reduce the risk of disability and mortality, which is highest in the first months after the fracture. AIM: To develop, scientifically justify, and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality and mechanotherapy technologies in the rehabilitation of patients with osteoporosis after surgical treatment of femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 98 patients aged 59 to 84 years who had undergone osteosynthesis or hip joint endoprosthetics for osteoporosis-related femoral fractures within 6 to 12 weeks before enrollment. RESULTS: The study results indicate that the new medical rehabilitation program leads to an increase in the total Harris Hip Score (p = 0.034) and maximum hip extension strength (p = 0.041) after 12 days, improved gait speed and biomechanics, with increased right leg stride length after 12 days (p = 0.036) and reduced step width after 60 days (p = 0.22), faster pain syndrome regression, and better physical functioning. CONCLUSION: In patients with osteoporosis who underwent surgical treatment for proximal femoral fractures, the new medical rehabilitation program involving mechanotherapy, virtual reality, and sensor-based treadmill training with biofeedback improves hip joint function recovery compared to standard rehabilitation programs.