Exploring the impact of race and gender concordance in digital MSK rehabilitation

Study Overview

This observational, longitudinal study analyzed the effects of race and gender concordance between patients and physical therapists (PTs) in a digital musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation program. Examining data from over 71,000 patients, researchers assessed engagement (completion rates, text interactions), satisfaction, and clinical outcomes (pain, anxiety, depression, and activity impairment).

Key findings:

• Higher completion rates among White, Hispanic, and female patients when matched with PTs of the same race/gender.
• No significant impact on satisfaction, with high ratings across all groups.
• Minimal effects on clinical outcomes, except for:
  • Higher depression recovery rates in White patients with non-White PTs.
  • Higher depression recovery rates in men with male PTs.

These results suggest that while demographic concordance may support engagement, other factors—such as PT experience, cultural competency, and communication skills—play a more critical role in treatment effectiveness. Future strategies should prioritize these elements to optimize digital rehabilitation outcomes. Read the full study