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Episode 25: Are Wearables the Secret to Better Knee Rehab? What Step Counters and Sensors Can Really Do
In Episode 25 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle explores how wearable technology can support recovery after total knee replacement. She discusses step counters, smartphone apps, QR-code exercise programs, and motion-tracking sensors, and explains how these tools bring clarity to a process that can feel unpredictable. Michelle shares how wearables help people stay consistent, notice progress that isn’t always easy to feel day to day, and give therapists meaningful insight between visits. She also talks about why some surgeons limit steps early on, what research shows about step-count habits after surgery, and how real-time feedback from sensors can improve gait, confidence, and overall movement quality.
Medical Disclaimer
The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your surgeon, physical therapist, or another qualified medical provider with any questions you may have about your health. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard on this podcast. This show is not affiliated with Michelle’s clinical or teaching roles.
Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase through a referenced link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions support the continued creation of free educational resources. Only items commonly recommended in orthopedic rehabilitation are shared.
Evidence-Based Content Statement
All information presented in this episode reflects current peer-reviewed evidence and professional guidelines available at the time of recording.
Music Licensing Statement
Music used in this episode is licensed through Descript.
References
Gordon D, et al. Wearable devices to monitor patient outcomes after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025;145:155–166.
King MG, et al. Wearable sensors to guide remote rehabilitation following knee arthroplasty surgery: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023;24:785.
Feng Y, et al. Wearable gait devices following knee replacement: a systematic review. Gait Posture. 2023;103:35–44.
Schaffer NE, et al. Accuracy of wearable motion sensors for monitoring knee range of motion after TKA: pilot study. Sensors (Basel). 2022;22(12):4567.
Duong V, et al. Predictors of adherence to a step count intervention following total knee replacement. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):620–630.
Roche MW, et al. Early clinical use of smart knee implants with embedded sensors: motion and step count tracking in TKA patients. J Arthroplasty. 2022;37(6):1090–1097.
Kelmers E, et al. Smart knee implants: an overview of current technology. Sensors (Basel). 2022;9(4):93.
Bahadori S, Immins T, Wainwright TW. Wearable motion tracking systems used in rehabilitation following hip and knee replacement: a review. J Orthop Res. 2018.
Constantinescu D, et al. The role of commercially available smartphone apps and wearable activity monitors in lower-limb arthroplasty rehabilitation: review. EFORT Open Rev. 2022;7(7):547–556.
Östlind E, Sant’Anna A, Eek F, et al. Physical activity patterns and adherence to using a wearable activity tracker among individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021;22:450.
White DK, Hinman RS, Liles S, et al. A telehealth physical therapy intervention to increase physical activity in adults with knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025.
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By MichelleIn Episode 25 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle explores how wearable technology can support recovery after total knee replacement. She discusses step counters, smartphone apps, QR-code exercise programs, and motion-tracking sensors, and explains how these tools bring clarity to a process that can feel unpredictable. Michelle shares how wearables help people stay consistent, notice progress that isn’t always easy to feel day to day, and give therapists meaningful insight between visits. She also talks about why some surgeons limit steps early on, what research shows about step-count habits after surgery, and how real-time feedback from sensors can improve gait, confidence, and overall movement quality.
Medical Disclaimer
The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your surgeon, physical therapist, or another qualified medical provider with any questions you may have about your health. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard on this podcast. This show is not affiliated with Michelle’s clinical or teaching roles.
Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase through a referenced link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions support the continued creation of free educational resources. Only items commonly recommended in orthopedic rehabilitation are shared.
Evidence-Based Content Statement
All information presented in this episode reflects current peer-reviewed evidence and professional guidelines available at the time of recording.
Music Licensing Statement
Music used in this episode is licensed through Descript.
References
Gordon D, et al. Wearable devices to monitor patient outcomes after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2025;145:155–166.
King MG, et al. Wearable sensors to guide remote rehabilitation following knee arthroplasty surgery: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023;24:785.
Feng Y, et al. Wearable gait devices following knee replacement: a systematic review. Gait Posture. 2023;103:35–44.
Schaffer NE, et al. Accuracy of wearable motion sensors for monitoring knee range of motion after TKA: pilot study. Sensors (Basel). 2022;22(12):4567.
Duong V, et al. Predictors of adherence to a step count intervention following total knee replacement. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):620–630.
Roche MW, et al. Early clinical use of smart knee implants with embedded sensors: motion and step count tracking in TKA patients. J Arthroplasty. 2022;37(6):1090–1097.
Kelmers E, et al. Smart knee implants: an overview of current technology. Sensors (Basel). 2022;9(4):93.
Bahadori S, Immins T, Wainwright TW. Wearable motion tracking systems used in rehabilitation following hip and knee replacement: a review. J Orthop Res. 2018.
Constantinescu D, et al. The role of commercially available smartphone apps and wearable activity monitors in lower-limb arthroplasty rehabilitation: review. EFORT Open Rev. 2022;7(7):547–556.
Östlind E, Sant’Anna A, Eek F, et al. Physical activity patterns and adherence to using a wearable activity tracker among individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021;22:450.
White DK, Hinman RS, Liles S, et al. A telehealth physical therapy intervention to increase physical activity in adults with knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025.