Background: YouTube®, one of the busiest video-sharing platforms, may lack sufficient or accurate information on health information and practices given the absence of a rigorous evaluation process.
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the reliability of information and quality of exercise videos on YouTube® for rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods: Video features and the source of the upload were sorted. Reliability of the information shared in the videos was evaluated using the mDISCERN too, and quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale and JAMA scoring system. Videos were independently analyzed by two physiotherapists specialized in rheumatologic rehabilitation. Any bias was resolved by an independent third assessor.
Results: One hundred thirty-four exercise videos were included. A hundred and twenty-six (94%) of the 134 exercise videos were found to be useful, and 8 (6%) were misleading. The useful and misleading videos had similar numbers of views, likes, comments, and subscribers (p > .05), while video duration and time since upload were higher for useful videos (p < .05). Cohen's Kappa scores demonstrated that the level of agreement between the assessors were moderate (mDISCERN = 0.417, Global Quality Scale = 0.582, and JAMA = 0.555). There was a significant difference in JAMA scores (p = .013) between the sources of the videos. However, no significant difference was found in mDISCERN (p = .104) and Global Quality Scale (p = .128) scores.
Conclusion: YouTube® exercise videos provide partially reliable and moderate-quality information for people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, patients should be cautious and not rely directly on YouTube® exercise videos. Instead, they should consult a physician or physical therapist for exercises.
Keywords: Exercise; physical therapy; rehabilitation; social media; video analysis.