'Making a connection': a qualitative study of experiences from a cancer telerehabilitation program.

PURPOSE: Specialised group-based exercise rehabilitation is beneficial for cancer survivors but access to these services is limited. Telerehabilitation provides an opportunity to expand reach, but we do not know about the experiences of those who participate in this way. This study explored participant experiences of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program for people with cancer. METHOD: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was completed. Twenty-two cancer survivors were purposively sampled from the experimental group of a randomised controlled trial evaluating exercise-based cancer telerehabilitation delivered in groups using synchronous videoconferencing. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded independently by two reviewers and analysed inductively by thematic analysis. RESULTS: 'A feeling of connection' was the overarching theme. Participants perceived they connected with the health service, expert health professionals, and peers through participating in the telerehabilitation program. These connections provided a personalised rehabilitation experience and improved perceptions of physical and emotional well-being. Two subthemes suggested connection was facilitated by (1) the acceptability of telerehabilitation and (2) enhanced accountability to exercise. Participants felt disconnected when they were unable to participate in the program due to cancer treatment and side effects (e.g. fatigue), feeling unwell, and co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: We identified that telerehabilitation facilitated connections that enhanced the reach of exercise to cancer survivors. Our findings support using telerehabilitation to deliver specialised group-based exercise programs alongside more traditional models of care to increase participation in exercise among people with cancer.

Understanding the hidden epidemic of metabolic syndrome in people accessing community rehabilitation: a cross-sectional study of physical activity, dietary intake, and health literacy.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients attending outpatient community rehabilitation in Melbourne, Australia and to compare health literacy, physical activity, and dietary intake of people with and without metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, multi-centre, observational study of adults (n = 193) presenting to rehabilitation with various health complaints. Metabolic syndrome was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation joint consensus worldwide definition. Health literacy was assessed using the Rapid Estimate of Adult literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Physical activity was assessed using accelerometers and dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty three participants (64%) had metabolic syndrome. Of these, only three (2%) knew they had it. People with metabolic syndrome scored lower on health literacy (S-TOFHLA MD -2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.98 to -0.22) and took 1311 (95%CI 375 to 2246) fewer daily steps than those without metabolic syndrome. There were no differences in dietary intake. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is a prevalent and under-recognised condition in community rehabilitation. Community healthcare professionals and health services may need to consider a broader approach to management including lifestyle assessment and intervention of patients with various conditions. Implications for rehabilitationAlmost two-thirds of adults in community rehabilitation had underlying, undetected metabolic syndrome.Adults with metabolic syndrome completed less objectively measured physical activity and had lower health literacy levels than those without metabolic syndrome.A broader approach to management may need to be considered in community rehabilitation where patients presenting for rehabilitation of various conditions would likely benefit from lifestyle assessment and intervention.

Cancer survivors maintain health benefits 6 to 12 months after exercise-based rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine if the effects of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation on physical functioning, activity (including physical activity) and participation (including quality of life) are maintained at 6 to 12 months. METHODS: Electronic databases CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from the earliest available time to August 2021. Randomised controlled trials examining the long-term effects (≥ 6 months post-intervention) of exercise-based rehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. Outcome data (e.g. fitness, physical activity, walking capacity, fatigue, depression, quality of life) were extracted and the methodological quality assessed using PEDro. Meta-analyses using standardised mean differences were used to synthesise data and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria were applied. RESULTS: Nineteen randomised controlled trials including 2974 participants were included. Participants who underwent exercise-based rehabilitation had improved physical activity (SMD 0.30, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.51, I2 = 0%), cardiorespiratory fitness (SMD 2.00 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.56 to 3.45, I2 = 0%), walking capacity (SMD 0.62, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.92, I2 = 0%), depression (SMD 0.71, 95% 0.05 to 1.37, I2 = 90%), quality of life (physical functioning component SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.01, I2 = 62%) and sleep (MD 0.69 points, 95% 0.46 to 0.92, I2 = 0%) at 6 to 12 months follow-up. There was no data available on cancer-related mortality or recurrence. CONCLUSION: Health outcomes of cancer survivors after exercise-based rehabilitation can be maintained after rehabilitation completion. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Cancer survivors can maintain health benefits achieved through exercise-based rehabilitation.

Efficacy of Group Exercise-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Delivered via Telehealth (TeleCaRe): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Access to rehabilitation to support cancer survivors to exercise is poor. Group exercise-based rehabilitation may be delivered remotely, but no trials have currently evaluated their efficacy. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a group exercise-based cancer rehabilitation program delivered via telehealth compared to usual care for improving the quality of life of cancer survivors. METHODS: A parallel, assessor-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial with embedded cost and qualitative analysis will be completed. In total, 116 cancer survivors will be recruited from a metropolitan health network in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The experimental group will attend an 8-week, twice-weekly, 60-minute exercise group session supervised via videoconferencing supplemented by a web-based home exercise program and information portal. The comparison group will receive usual care including standardized exercise advice and written information. Assessments will be completed at weeks 0 (baseline), 9 (post intervention), and 26 (follow-up). The primary outcome will be health-related quality of life measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire at week 9. Secondary measures include walking capacity (6-minute walk test), physical activity (activPAL accelerometer), self-efficacy (Health Action Process Approach Questionnaire), and adverse events. Health service data including hospital length of stay, hospital readmissions, and emergency department presentations will be recorded. Semistructured interviews will be completed within an interpretive description framework to explore the patient experience. The primary outcome will be analyzed using linear mixed effects models. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be performed. RESULTS: The trial commenced in April 2022. As of June 2022, we enrolled 14 participants. CONCLUSIONS: This trial will inform the future implementation of cancer rehabilitation by providing important data about efficacy, safety, cost, and patient experience. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621001417875; https://tinyurl.com/yc5crwtr. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/38553.

Lifestyle Interventions to Improve Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Living in Low-and-Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).

Alongside glucose lowering therapy, clinical guidelines recommend lifestyle interventions as cornerstone in the care of people living with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). There is a specific need for an up-to-date review assessing the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for people with T2DM living in low-and-middle income countries (MICs). Four electronic databases were searched for RCTs published between 1990 and 2020. T2DM, lifestyle interventions, LMICs and their synonyms were used as search terms. Data codebooks were developed and data were extracted. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted using random effects models to calculate mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of 1284 articles identified, 30 RCTs (n = 16,670 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis revealed significant improvement in HBA1c (MD -0.63; CI: -0.86, -0.40), FBG (SMD -0.35; CI: -0.54, -0.16) and BMI (MD -0.5; CI: -0.8, -0.2). In terms of intervention characteristics, those that included promoted self-management using multiple education components (e.g., diet, physical activity, medication adherence, smoking cessation) and were delivered by healthcare professionals in a hospital/clinic setting were deemed most effective. However, when interpreting these results, it is important to consider that most included studies were evaluated as being of low quality and there was a significant amount of intervention characteristics heterogeneity. There is a need for further well-designed studies to inform the evidence base on which lifestyle interventions are most effective for glycemic control in adults with T2DM living in LMICs.

Clinician's perspectives of implementing exercise-based rehabilitation in a cancer unit: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: To explore the clinician experience of the feasibility of a supervised, exercise-based rehabilitation program co-located within a cancer treatment unit. METHOD: A qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews was completed. Fifteen clinicians were purposively sampled from a cancer unit at a tertiary hospital where a new, exercise-based rehabilitation program was implemented. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded independently by two reviewers and analysed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: The main theme was, 'a co-located cancer rehabilitation program was perceived to initiate a cultural change'. A positive culture for exercise-based rehabilitation was demonstrated by consistent, positive messaging about exercise from a broad range of hospital staff. The culture shift was facilitated by the program being convenient for patients and staff, being visible, and by rapport building all within the context of filling a service gap. CONCLUSION: This study identified key practical elements in initiating a positive culture around exercise-based rehabilitation within a cancer unit. These data may inform future implementation of rehabilitation programs to improve access to exercise for cancer survivors.

Multidisciplinary Intervention Before Joint Replacement Surgery May Improve Outcomes for People with Osteoarthritis and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cohort Study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome has been associated with poorer outcomes in the immediate postoperative period following joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether a multidisciplinary, preoperative intervention would minimize postoperative differences between people with and without metabolic syndrome who underwent joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. Method: A retrospective cohort study of older adults with multiple comorbidities (n = 230) attending a preoperative intervention service before lower limb joint replacement surgery. The intervention aimed to optimize the patient's health and functional reserve before surgery through weight loss, physical activity and medical management. Patient outcomes were adverse events, discharge destination and function. Health service outcomes were length of stay, hospital readmissions and emergency department presentations over a 2-year follow-up. Results: Two-thirds of participants (n = 151) had metabolic syndrome. There were no significant differences between those with and without metabolic syndrome in terms of discharge destination or adverse events during the acute hospital admission. There were no differences in function during rehabilitation but people with metabolic syndrome had significantly more adverse events (P = 0.037) during rehabilitation. In the 2 years following surgery, there were no differences in hospital readmission rates but people with metabolic syndrome had a higher observed frequency of potentially avoidable emergency department presentations (P = 0.066). Conclusions: Providing a preoperative intervention may help minimize differences between people with and without metabolic syndrome in the immediate postoperative period. However, having a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome may still adversely affect some long-term health service outcomes following joint replacement surgery.

Bridging the gap: a pre-post feasibility study of embedding exercise therapy into a co-located cancer unit.

PURPOSE: To establish the feasibility of embedding a flexible, exercise-based rehabilitation program into a cancer treatment unit to allow cancer survivors early exercise support. METHOD: A pre-post study was conducted using Bowen's Framework to describe key domains of feasibility: demand (referrals), acceptability (uptake, attendance, satisfaction), implementation (resources), practicality (adverse events, costs) and limited-efficacy (function, quality of life, self-efficacy). Participants were medically stable, adult cancer survivors receiving curative or palliative treatment for cancer at the health service. Participants completed an 8-week home or hospital-based exercise program. Data were analysed descriptively. Standardised mean differences (Hedge's g) and mean differences were calculated to determine effect size and clinical significance. RESULTS: The exercise-based rehabilitation service received 155 referrals over 6 months. Of those eligible, 73/119 (61%) commenced. Participants opting for twice-weekly, hospital-based exercise attended 9/16 (56%) sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction and there were no major adverse events. The program utilised existing resources, with the predominant cost being staff. The average health service cost per participant was AUD $1,104. Participants made clinically significant gains in function (6-min walk distance; + 73 m, 95% confidence interval 49 to 96) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 Global quality of life; + 8 units, 95% confidence interval 3 to 13). CONCLUSION: Implementation of exercise-based rehabilitation in a co-located cancer unit was safe and feasible. Access, patient and staff education and establishing funding streams are important implementation considerations. Implications for cancer survivors Access to exercise in a cancer unit provides opportunity for early intervention to optimise function during treatment.

Multidisciplinary, exercise-based oncology rehabilitation programs improve patient outcomes but their effects on healthcare service-level outcomes remain uncertain: a systematic review.

QUESTION: What is the effect of multidisciplinary, exercise-based, group oncology rehabilitation programs on healthcare service outcomes and patient-level outcomes, including quality of life and physical and psychosocial function? DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. PARTICIPANTS: Adults diagnosed with cancer. INTERVENTION: Multidisciplinary, group-based rehabilitation that includes exercise for cancer survivors. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes related to health service delivery, including costs, hospitalisations and healthcare service utilisation. Secondary outcomes were patient-level measures, including: the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-life Questionnaire, 30-second timed sit to stand and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The evidence was evaluated using the PEDro Scale and the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Seventeen trials (1,962 participants) were included. There was uncertainty about the effect of multidisciplinary, exercise-based rehabilitation on healthcare service outcomes, as only one trial reported length of stay and reported wide confidence intervals (MD 2.4 days, 95% CI -3.1 to 7.8). Multidisciplinary, exercise-based rehabilitation improved muscle strength (1RM chest press MD 3.6 kg, 95% CI 0.4 to 6.8; 1RM leg press MD 19.5 kg, 95% CI 12.3 to 26.8), functional strength (30-second sit to stand MD 6 repetitions, 95% CI 3 to 9) and reduced depression (MD -0.7 points, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.1) compared to usual care. There was uncertainty whether multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs are more effective when delivered early versus late or more effective than exercise alone. Adherence was typically high (mean weighted average 76% sessions attended) with no major and few minor adverse events reported. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary, exercise-based oncology rehabilitation programs improve some patient-level outcomes compared with usual care. Further evidence from randomised trials to determine their effect at a healthcare service level are required if these programs are to become part of standard care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019130593.

From Cancer Rehabilitation to Recreation: A Coordinated Approach to Increasing Physical Activity.

Participation in adequate physical activity improves the health status of cancer survivors, enhances their survival, and reduces their risk of cancer recurrence. However, cancer survivors engage in low levels of physical activity and have limited access to rehabilitation services that could increase their participation. No optimal framework has been developed that supports physical activity participation among cancer survivors. Given the growth in numbers of cancer survivors, development of a framework may provide a pathway to facilitate timely and appropriate care. This perspective paper describes the development of the Cancer Rehabilitation to Recreation (CaReR) Framework and its practical implications. The CaReR Framework uses a tailored, stepped approach to guide health services and clinicians on the design and implementation of interventions to promote physical activity among cancer survivors. Implementation of the CaReR Framework will improve continuity and quality of care for cancer survivors and promote physical activity with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes.

'A good stepping stone to normality': a qualitative study of cancer survivors' experiences of an exercise-based rehabilitation program.

PURPOSE: Exercise-based rehabilitation is not routinely offered to patients. We explored the experience of cancer survivors completing an exercise-based cancer rehabilitation program with and without motivational interviewing. METHOD: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was completed with a purposive sample of 26 cancer survivors (n = 17 female, n = 18 post-treatment) participating in cancer rehabilitation at a tertiary hospital. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Coding was completed by two reviewers independently and confirmed by a third reviewer. RESULTS: The main theme that emerged was exercise-based rehabilitation facilitated a return to normality after diagnosis which included positive changes in physical activity behaviour. Sub-themes were that rehabilitation is person-centred, challenges expectations, empowering and facilitated by expert staff. Common themes emerged whether participants received additional motivational interviewing or not. However, participants who received motivational interviewing were more likely to report feeling accountable for their physical activity levels. Transition to ongoing independent physical activity remained a challenge for some people who did not feel empowered or socially supported. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based cancer rehabilitation is important in facilitating 'return to normal' including increased participation in physical activity. To challenge expectations and to empower cancer survivors, rehabilitation programs should be person-centred and led by expert staff.

Motivational interviewing added to oncology rehabilitation did not improve moderate-intensity physical activity in cancer survivors: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: Does adding weekly, physiotherapist-delivered motivational interviewing to outpatient oncology rehabilitation for cancer survivors increase physical activity levels and improve physical and psychosocial outcomes that are typically impaired in this cohort? DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment, concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A heterogeneous sample of 46 cancer survivors (n=29 female; mean age 59 years) participating in a public outpatient oncology rehabilitation program. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly allocated to receive oncology rehabilitation (n=24) or oncology rehabilitation with motivational interviewing delivered once weekly for 7 weeks via telephone by a physiotherapist (n=22). OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was amount of physical activity of at least moderate intensity completed in 10-minute bouts, measured by an accelerometer worn continuously for 1 week. Secondary outcomes included other measures of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, physical function, psychosocial function, and quality of life. RESULTS: When added to oncology rehabilitation, motivational interviewing caused no appreciable increase in the amount of moderate-intensity physical activity (MD -1.2 minutes/day, 95% CI -2.5 to 0.02). Among many secondary outcomes, the only statistically significant result was a small effect on nausea, which probably represents a Type I error. However, several secondary outcomes related to lower-intensity physical activity had non-significant confidence intervals that included large effects such as: sedentary time (SMD -0.67, 95% CI -1.32 to 0.02), light-intensity physical activity (SMD 0.56, 95% CI -0.12 to 1.21) and daily step count (SMD 0.37, 95% CI -0.30 to 1.02). CONCLUSION: Adding motivational interviewing to oncology rehabilitation did not increase moderate-intensity physical activity. Favourable trends on measures of lower-intensity physical activity suggest that motivational interviewing should be further investigated for its effects on reducing sedentary time and improving light-intensity physical activity for cancer survivors participating in rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ANZCTR 12616001079437. [Dennett AM, Shields N, Peiris CL, Prendergast LA, O'Halloran PD, Parente P, Taylor NF (2018) Motivational interviewing added to oncology rehabilitation did not improve moderate-intensity physical activity in cancer survivors: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 64: 255-263].

Exercise therapy in oncology rehabilitation in Australia: A mixed-methods study.

AIM: Oncology rehabilitation improves outcomes for cancer survivors but little is known about program availability in Australia. The aims of this study were: to describe oncology rehabilitation programs in Australia: determine whether the exercise component of programs is consistent with guidelines: and to explore barriers and facilitators to program implementation. METHODS: A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study was completed in two phases: (1) a survey of Australian oncology rehabilitation programs; and (2) purposively sampled follow-up semistructured interviews with senior clinicians working in oncology rehabilitation who were involved with exercise prescription. RESULTS: Hospitals and/or cancer centers from 42 public hospital health networks (representing 163 hospitals) and 39 private hospitals were contacted to identify 31 oncology rehabilitation programs. All 31 surveys were returned (100% response rate). Programs were typically multidisciplinary, ran twice weekly, provided education and exercise and included self-management strategies. Exercise prescription and progression was patient centered and included a combination of resistance and aerobic training supplemented by balance, pelvic floor, and core stability exercises. Challenges to implementation included a lack of awareness of programs in the community and organizational barriers such as funding. Strong links with oncologists facilitated program referrals. CONCLUSION: Despite evidence to support oncology rehabilitation, there are few programs in Australia and there are challenges that limit it becoming part of standard practice. Programs that exist are multidisciplinary with a focus on exercise with the majority of programs following a cardiac rehabilitation model of care.

Moderate-intensity exercise reduces fatigue and improves mobility in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-regression.

QUESTION: Is there a dose-response effect of exercise on inflammation, fatigue and activity in cancer survivors? DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-regression analysis of randomised trials. PARTICIPANTS: Adults diagnosed with cancer, regardless of specific diagnosis or treatment. INTERVENTION: Exercise interventions including aerobic and/or resistance as a key component. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were markers of inflammation (including C-reactive protein and interleukins) and various measures of fatigue. The secondary outcomes were: measures of activity, as defined by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, including activities of daily living and measures of functional mobility (eg, 6-minute walk test, timed sit-to-stand and stair-climb tests). Risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and overall quality of evidence was assessed using the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Forty-two trials involving 3816 participants were included. There was very low-quality to moderate-quality evidence that exercise results in significant reductions in fatigue (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.52) and increased walking endurance (SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.28). A significant negative association was found between aerobic exercise intensity and fatigue reduction. A peak effect was found for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for improving walking endurance. No dose-response relationship was found between exercise and markers of inflammation or exercise duration and outcomes. Rates of adherence were typically high and few adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise is safe, reduces fatigue and increases endurance in cancer survivors. The results support the recommendation of prescribing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise to reduce fatigue and improve activity in people with cancer. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015019164.

Physiotherapy Commenced Within the First Four Weeks Post-Spinal Surgery Is Safe and Effective: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether physiotherapy commenced within the first 4 weeks post-spinal surgery is safe and effective. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, AMED, PubMed, Embase, and PEDro were searched from the earliest date possible through May 2015. An additional trial was identified through reference list scanning. STUDY SELECTION: Controlled trials evaluating comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation commenced within 4 weeks postoperatively compared with a control group receiving no physiotherapy, standard postoperative care, rest, less active physiotherapy, or sham physiotherapy after spinal surgery of a musculoskeletal etiology. Two reviewers independently applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, with disagreements discussed until consensus could be reached. Searching identified 3162 potentially relevant articles, of which 4 trials with 250 participants met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted using a predefined data extraction form. Methodological quality of trials was assessed independently by 2 reviewers using the Downs and Black checklist. Pooled analyses were performed using a random-effects model with inverse variance methods to calculate risk differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (dichotomous outcomes), and standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs (continuous outcomes). DATA SYNTHESIS: When compared with no or sham physiotherapy, early comprehensive physiotherapy did not increase the risk of adverse events (risk difference, -.01; 95% CI, -.07 to .05; I(2)=0%). In addition, there is moderate-quality evidence demonstrating a reduction in pain by a moderate and significant amount at 12 weeks (SMD=-.38; 95% CI, -.66 to -.10; I(2)=0%) and at 12+ months (SMD=-.30; 95% CI, -.59 to -.02; I(2)=0%). CONCLUSIONS: Early comprehensive physiotherapy commenced within the first 4 weeks post-spinal surgery does not increase the potential for an adverse event and leads to a moderate, statistically significant reduction in pain when compared with a control group.

Early aquatic physical therapy improves function and does not increase risk of wound-related adverse events for adults after orthopedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether early postoperative aquatic physical therapy is a low-risk and effective form of physical therapy to improve functional outcomes after orthopedic surgery. DATA SOURCES: Databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, and PEDro were searched from the earliest date available until October 2011. Additional trials were identified by searching reference lists and citation tracking. STUDY SELECTION: Controlled trials evaluating the effects of aquatic physical therapy on adverse events for adults <3 months after orthopedic surgery. Two reviewers independently applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, and any disagreements were discussed until consensus could be reached. Searching identified 5069 potentially relevant articles, of which 8 controlled trials with 287 participants met inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: A predefined data extraction form was completed in detail for each included study by 1 reviewer and checked for accuracy by another. Methodologic quality of included trials was assessed independently by 2 reviewers using the PEDro scale. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pooled analyses were performed using random effects model with inverse variance methods to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (continuous outcomes) and risk difference and 95% CIs (dichotomous outcomes). When compared with land-based physical therapy, early aquatic physical therapy does not increase the risk of wound-related adverse events (risk difference=.01, 95% CI -.05 to .07) and results in improved performance of activities of daily living (SMD=.33, 95% CI=.07-.58, I(2)=0%). There were no significant differences in edema (SMD=-.27, 95% CI=-.81 to .27, I(2)=58%) or pain (SMD=-.06, 95% CI=-.50 to .38, I(2)=32%). CONCLUSIONS: After orthopedic surgery aquatic physical therapy improves function and does not increase the risk of wound-related adverse events and is as effective as land-based therapy in terms of pain, edema, strength, and range of motion in the early postoperative period.