Effects of 24 Weeks of a Supervised Walk Training on Knee Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Older Female Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Poor supervision, impaired exercise adherence, and low compliance with exercise regimens result in inconsistent effects regarding exercise interventions. A supervised-walk training regimen (9 km/week) may have a positive effect on functional recovery in female total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a supervised walking regimen on lower limb muscle strength, functional fitness, and patient-reported outcomes in female TKA. Twenty-eight female TKA were allocated into a control (CON) (n = 14) or walk training (WT) (n = 14) group. WT on treadmills was initiated 12 weeks after TKA. All patients were examined for lower muscle strength (including extension and flexion of hip and knee), physical function (including a 6-min walk test, 8-foot up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. Knee flexor (WT: CON; 64.4 ± 4.1 nm/kg: 43.7±3.3 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.62) and extensor strengths (WT: CON; 73.1 ± 7.5 nm/kg: 48.2 ± 2.4 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 4.47) statistically increased in the WT group compared to the CON group. The 6-min walk test (from 341.3 ± 20.5 m to 405.5 ± 30.7 m; p = 0.001; effect size: 2.46) and 8-foot up-and-go test (from 9.5 ± 0.7 s to 8.3 ± 0.7 s; p = 0.002; effect size: 1.71) tests also showed significant improvements in the WT group in the follow-up compared to the baseline. An increase in quality of life score according to the KOOS questionnaire (WT: CON; 91.0 ± 2.8: 68.1 ± 5.8; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.02) was noted in the WT group compared to the CON group in the follow-up. WT facilitated improvements in knee muscle strength and functional outcomes in TKA patients.

Comparison of computer-assisted navigation and conventional instrumentation for bilateral total knee arthroplasty: The outcomes at mid-term follow-up.

It remains unclear if computer-assisted surgery (CAS) technique actually improves the clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and decreases the failure rate. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the functional results of TKA in a series of patients who underwent staged bilateral TKAs with CAS TKA in 1 knee and conventional TKA in the contralateral knee.From January 1997 to December 2010, we collected 60 patients who were randomly assigned to receive CAS TKA in 1 limb and conventional TKA in the other. The Brainlab Vector Vision navigation system was used for CAS TKA, and the DePuy press-fit condylar sigma guide system was used for conventional TKA. Patients were assessed before surgery, 3 months and 1 year after surgery, and annually thereafter. IKS criteria were used for radiographic evaluation. Clinical and functional evaluation using the scoring system of hospital for special surgery (HSS), international knee society (IKS), Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and short form-36 (SF-36) were obtained on each knee, before surgery, and at each follow-up visit. Pertinent statistical methods were adopted for data analysis.Fifty-six patients were available for analysis and 44 of the patients were female. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.1 years. Less blood loss (P = .007) and longer operation time were noted for CAS TKAs when compared with conventional TKAs. Precise alignment and fewer outliers of the lower limb and prosthetic component positions were found for CAS TKAs (P < .001). There were no differences between the 2 groups before surgery and at the latest follow-up with regard to scores for HSS, IKS, WOMAC, and SF-36 as well as active range of motion.The clinical outcomes of CAS TKAs at the 8-year follow-up were similar to those of conventional TKAs despite the better radiographic alignment and fewer outliers achieved with navigation assistance.

Twenty-four-week hospital-based progressive resistance training on functional recovery in female patients post total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: After total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery, a decline in muscle strength is associated with a decrease in function. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of a further 24 weeks of hospital-based resistance training under supervision, and precise dose on knee functional recovery and daily activities for female TKA patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA were allocated into either resistance training (RT) (n = 14) or control (CON) (n = 15) groups. All patients were assessed, with an isokinetic dynamometer, for hip and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength, physical function test, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Resistance training was initiated three months after index surgery. The assessments were performed before exercise (Baseline), in the middle of the resistance training at 12 weeks (Mid-exercise), completion of the resistance training (Post-exercise), and 12 weeks after resistance training completion (Follow-up). A statistical test was performed by using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Patients in RT had more of an increase in both knee extensor and flexor muscle strength than those in CON at the Post-exercise assessment. The six-minute walk test distance was more in RT compared with CON at the same Post-exercise assessment. Furthermore, the RT group had increases in Activities of daily living and Sports subscales compared to the CON group. CONCLUSIONS: A further 24 weeks of hospital-based progressive resistance training facilitated improvement in knee muscle strength and functional outcome in TKA patients. Active hospital-based progressive resistance training is recommended for rehabilitation following TKA surgery.

Circuit training enhances function in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients receiving total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been rising every year due to the aging population and the obesity epidemic. Post-operative rehabilitation is important for the outcome of TKA. METHODS: A series of 34 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA was retrospectively collected and divided into either exercise group (n = 16) and control group (n = 18). The exercise group underwent a 24-week course of circuit training beginning 3 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The effect of circuit training on TKA patients in terms of motion analysis, muscle strength testing, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score (KOOS) questionnaire and patient-reported outcome measurement Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) at the pre-operation, pre-exercise, mid-exercise, and post-exercise. RESULTS: Motion analysis revealed the stride length, step velocity, and excursion of active knee range of motion significantly improved in the exercise group when compared to those in the control group. KOOS questionnaire showed a greater improvement in pain, ADL, and total scores in the exercise group. The SF-36 questionnaire revealed a significant improvement in general health, bodily pain, social function, and physical components score in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: The post-operative circuit training intervention can facilitate recovery of knee function and decrease the degree of pain in the TKA and might be considered a useful adjunct rehabilitative modality. The ultimate influence of circuit training on TKA needs further a prospective randomized clinical trial study and long-term investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02928562.