Effects of intensive rehabilitation on locomotor capacity after total knee replacement

To evaluate the effectiveness of a pre- and post-operative exercise protocols and intensive functional rehabilitation [IFR] program on locomotory capacity in the first three months after primary total knee arthroplasty [TKA] for severe osteoarthritis. The study was conducted on 20 patients-with severe osteoarthritis knees who underwent TKA. They were divided randomly into 2 equal groups. The first group received an intensive rehabilitation program while the second received ordinary rehabilitation program. Before program start all patients were subjected to clinical examination. Postural assessment was done to all patients twice pre-operatively and 12 weeks post-operatively using Computerized Dynamic Posturography including motor control, adaptation and sensory organization tests, The ordinary rehabilitation group showed a statistically significant increase in post-operative weight symmetry p<0.05 compared with normal. There were statistically significant high values in both groups in pre- and post-operative strength symmetry p<0.05 compared with normal. Adaptation test toes down showed a statistically significant difference from normal in both groups of rehabilitation in all trials post-operatively, and in intensive rehabilitation group in trial 1, and trial 3, while in ordinary rehabilitation program in trial 2 pre-operatively p<0.05. Amplitude scaling f with affected side of the lower limb, showed a statistically significant decrease in ordinary rehabilitation group in small / and medium f. p<0.05. Intensive rehabilitation group showed no significant change in comparison to normal. There was more balance affection in toes up position in ordinary rehabilitation group. There was better balance in intensive rehabilitation group on affected side

Effects of intesive rehabilitation on functional ability after total knee arthroplasty

To evaluate the effectiveness of a pre- and post-operative intensive functional rehabilitation [IFR] program in the first three months after primary total knee arthroplasty [TKA] for severe osteoarthritis on functional ability and muscle isokinetics. Twenty severe osteoarthritis knee patients underwent primary total knee arthroplasty. They were divided randomly into 2 groups of 10 each. The first group received intensive program of rehabilitation, the second received ordinary rehabilitation program. All patients were subjected to clinical examination, functional assessment using WOMAC score, knee range of motion, 6 Minute Walk test, Timed Up and Go test, and Isokinetic Assessment, at start, 6 and 12 weeks afterwards. Total WOMAC score, pain, stiffness, and difficulty WOMAC scores showed a significant decrease after 6 and 12 weeks in both groups. The first group showed more decrease than ordinary program. Timed Up and Go test showed a significant decrease after 12 weeks in both groups p=0.003, shorter time in the first group than the second. Isokinetic parameters as peak torque and peak torque per body weight showed significant increase after 6 weeks in first group p=0.01, but not in second p>0.05. After 12 weeks there was a statistical significant increase in both groups p<0.001, higher in first group p<0.05]. Total work, average power, and maximum repetition total work showed better improvement in first group. IRP applied in the first 3 months after TKA is effective in promoting better functional ability, less pain and stiffness and results in better ROM and longer distance walked