THE ROLE OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY AND TELEREHABILITATION IN OPTIMIZING POST-OPERATIVE ACL RECOVERY: A FRAMEWORK FOR EQUITABLE ACCESS
Abstract
Background: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is a debilitating injury requiring prolonged rehabilitation. The traditional clinic-based model of care presents significant socioeconomic barriers, including geographic distance and indirect costs, which contribute to suboptimal adherence and inequitable outcomes.
Objective: This descriptive review outlines a comprehensive framework integrating wearable sensor technology and telerehabilitation to optimize post-operative ACL recovery and democratize access to care.
Methods: We synthesized recent literature (2015–2025) focusing on the efficacy of remote monitoring, sensor validation, and the economic impact of telerehabilitation.
Results: Current evidence demonstrates that telerehabilitation is clinically non-inferior to standard face-to-face therapy regarding range of motion and functional milestones. Wearable sensors (IMUs) and mobile applications provide valid, objective data that enhances patient adherence through "digital visibility," bridging the gap between prescribed and actual exercise dosage. Furthermore, economic analyses indicate that this model significantly reduces patient-borne costs, establishing it as a dominant strategy for equitable healthcare delivery.
Conclusion: Integrating digital health technologies into ACL rehabilitation offers a scalable solution to the "rehabilitation gap." By combining objective data with remote access, this framework mitigates social determinants of health, ensuring that high-quality recovery is accessible regardless of a patient's geographic or financial status. A hybrid model utilizing these tools is recommended as the future standard of care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Filip Kowal, Michał Pietrucha, Kamila Krzyżanowska, Jakub Król, Adrian Dyląg, Natalia Libudzic, Maciej Łydka, Justyna Lewandowska, Julia Łaciak, Marta Godyń
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