ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of early knee joint exercise education program on pain, knee ROM, and satisfaction among patients with a total knee replacement arthroplasty. METHODS: An experimental study with non-equivalent groups was conducted using 32 patients for an experimental group and 32 patients for a control group. The experimental group received knee joint exercise education including systemic continuous passive motion (CPM) exercise and knee exercise. The control group received conventional CPM exercise. Pain, flexion and flexion contracture range of motion, and patient satisfaction were evaluated by χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA using the SPSS 23.0 Windows program. RESULTS: There were a significant improvement in patients' knee flexion and satisfaction in the experimental group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in pain and flexion contracture between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the proposed education program is efficient and effective when providing nursing care after a total knee replacement arthroplasty.