Early Rehabilitation with Exergame - Which Muscle Groups are Addressed by Bedside-Based Knee Exercises?

BACKGROUND: Knee exercises are generally recommended following knee-related operations. Nevertheless, compliance in performing self-administered exercises is varying. The use of exergames may alter patient compliance. These computer games encourage the user to exercise. Exergames are not yet used much in orthopedic rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of different seating positions in electromyography while performing knee exercises with the exergame GenuSport. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 72 healthy women and men were tested in 6 seating positions using an application-based knee-training device (KT). Positions were 1. user seated 90 upright with straight leg on KT, 2. 90 upright with leg exercising in external rotation on KT, 3. 90 upright with leg exercising in internal rotation on KT, 4. 90 upright with straight leg on 30mm elevated KT, 5. 45 upright with straight leg on KT and 6. 45 upright with straight leg on 30mm elevated KT. Electromyogram was recorded for biceps femoris, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, vastus medialis, adductor magnus and vastus lateralis. RESULTS: No significant difference was shown in position 2, 3 or 4 compared to position 1. In position 5 and 6, EMG reported significantly higher values compared to positions 1 to 4 (ischiocrural: 130% and quadriceps: 90%). The quadriceps was activated significantly less in position 6 compared to 5. CONCLUSION: 1. Bedside-based knee extension exercises are most effective in a seated position of 45 trunk inclination. 2. A slightly more bent knee (KT elevation of 30mm) leads to a higher activation of the ischiocrural muscles.

App-based rehabilitation program after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: New app-based programs for postoperative rehabilitation have been developed, but no long-term study has been published to date. Thus, a prospective randomized control trial with 2-year follow-up was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of app-based rehabilitation (GenuSport) compared to a control group after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Between April and October 2016, 60 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-five patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 35 patients undergoing TKA for inclusion. In this group, twenty patients received app-based exercise program and 15 were randomized to the control group. The mean age was 64.37 ± 9.32 years with a mean follow-up of 23.51 ± 1.63 months. Patients in the app group underwent an app-based knee training starting on the day of surgery; whereas, patients in the control group underwent regular physiotherapy. Functional outcome scores using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Society Score (KSS) and VAS of pain were analyzed. RESULTS: In the short term, significant differences between the app group and control group in time of 10-m walk (19.66 ± 7.80 vs. 27.08 ± 15.46 s; p = 0.029), VAS pain at rest and activity (2.65 ± 0.82 vs. 3.57 ± 1.58, respectively 4.03 ± 1.26 vs. 5.05 ± 1.21; p < 0.05) were observed. In the long term, a variety of different tendencies was found, highest in KSS Function with 76.32 ± 16.49 (app group) vs. 67.67 ± 16.57 (control group) (p = 0.130). Additionally, patients in the app group required less painkillers (10.0% vs. 26.7%) and more likely to participate in sports (65.0% vs. 53.3%). CONCLUSIONS: An app-based knee trainer is a promising tool in improving functional outcomes such as KSS function score and VAS after TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective randomized control trial.

Simplified Measurement of Maximum Strength After Knee Surgery: Application-Based Knee-Training Device Compared to Isokinetic Testing.

CONTEXT: Isokinetic testing is used as a standard tool in measuring strength in professional athletes. It is often used to evaluate improvement during rehabilitation. The disadvantages of isokinetic testing include its costs, the fact that it is not portable, and its risk of injury, which makes it not suitable for early postoperative rehabilitation. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the results of the isokinetic testing and the measurements of an application-based knee-training device. STUDY DESIGN: Exploratory diagnostic study. METHODS: In this monocentric study, 100 subjects performed an isokinetic maximum strength examination and an assessment on the application-based knee-training device in a randomized order. The isokinetic testing was based on the Swiss Olympic protocol with 3 sets of 5 repetitions of maximum strength testing for flexion and extension. The subjects consisted of 50 healthy professional athletes and 50 healthy recreational athletes, half male and half female, between the ages of 18 to 30 years old. RESULTS: No medical or technical issues were reported. The analysis of the relationship between application-based knee-training device and extension showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of r=0.667 for the left knee and r=0.604 for the right knee. For flexion, the Pearson correlation coefficient was r=0.640 for the left side and r=0.673 for the right side. When strength measured by the application-based knee-training device was adjusted for height and weight of the subjects, the Pearson correlation was even stronger (extension left: r=0.727, right: r=0.689; flexion left: r=0.641, right: r=0.711). CONCLUSION: The study shows a moderate to high correlation between isokinetic testing and the application-based knee-training device. These results suggest that the application-based knee-training device is effective for early strength rehabilitation without the risk of injury.

Improving Maximal Strength in the Initial Postoperative Phase After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial of an App-Based Serious Gaming Approach.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures. One of the main factors that influence the outcome is regaining strength in the postoperative phase. Because anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgeries are often performed in young patients, we combined the concept of prehabilitation with an app-based serious gaming approach to improve maximal strength postoperatively. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a prospective randomized trial to evaluate whether an app-based active muscle training program (GenuSport Knee Trainer) can improve postoperative strength by starting rehabilitation immediately after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. METHODS: We designed a pilot study in which we randomly assigned patients receiving primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to either the serious gaming training (intervention) group or a conventional rehabilitation (control) group. Except for the serious gaming-based training, both groups followed the same postoperative treatment protocol. Outcome parameters were absolute and relative change in maximal strength, as well as the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee evaluation form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Lysholm Knee Score. RESULTS: In total 26 patients agreed to participate (14 patients in the intervention group and 12 patients in the control group, 1 of whom was lost to follow-up). We noted a difference in absolute maximum strength between the exergaming intervention and the control groups. Mean maximum strength preoperatively was 155.1 (SD 79.2) N in the intervention group (n=14) and 157.0 (SD 40.8) N in the control group (n=11). Postoperative mean maximum strength was 212.8 (SD 78.5) N in the intervention group and 154.5 (SD 27.1) N in the control group. Mean absolute change in maximum strength was 57.7 (SD 95.2) N in the intervention group and -4.8 (22.2) N in the control group. The analysis of covariance model with absolute change as the dependent variable and treatment group and baseline maximum strength as covariates showed a relevant difference in relative change between treatment groups (intervention - control) of 59.7 N (95% CI 10.1-109.3; P=.02). Similarly to the absolute increase, the relative change in maximum strength was relevantly higher in the exergaming group. The mean relative change in maximum strength was 1.7 (SD 1.17) in the intervention group and 1 (SD 0.13) in the control group. No adverse events or problems were reported during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an app-based active muscle training program in the early postoperative therapy scheme was associated with an improvement in maximal strength. Therefore, we considered the use of GenuSport training after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to be a helpful complement to rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery to improve strength in the early postoperative phase. To our knowledge this was the first study to analyze immediate postoperative serious gaming-based training with the GenuSport device based on strength improvement.

The determination of the validity of an application-based knee-training device.

The goals of knee rehabilitation are to improve range of motion and muscle status. The aim of the study was to investigate accuracy and reproducibility of a newly designed knee-training device (KT) under standardized laboratory conditions.Two application-based software programs, one to measure maximum force and the other intended to improve users' coordination were developed to be used on a tablet during exercises, wirelessly connected to KT placed under the popliteal fossa.KT was loaded for 20 intervals of 15 seconds (s) ranging between 0-350 Newton (N) each. The interval of times was chosen to be enough to take right measurement for accurate results. In addition, a 300-s continuous measurement was undertaken. The pressure readings were developed through a servo-hydraulic system and used as reference values. KT results were compared with the reference values to assess its accuracy. In addition, KT was tested on a force-measuring platform in a close to reality measurement.Based on Bland-Altman plots, the mean difference between KT and material testing machine was -0.63 N (0.4%), between KT and force-measuring platform was -0.11 N (0.7%), which proves the accuracy of its result.Laboratory experiments confirm that KT delivers precise and reproducible values, which provide base for clinical trials.

Impact of aerobic exercise on muscle mass in patients with major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Sarcopenia leads to physical function impairment and at least to increasing all-cause mortality. There are notes on reduced muscle mass in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Whether an exercise intervention counteracts low muscle mass in patients with MDD has not been studied so far. Therefore, our study aimed at examining effects of regular aerobic exercise training on muscle mass in patients with MDD. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Thirty inpatients with MDD were included in the study, of which 20 received an additional supervised exercise program. Ten patients obtained treatment as usual. Muscle mass was measured using MRI before and 6 weeks after the training period (3 times per week for 45 minutes). RESULTS: We found a significant effect of the exercise intervention on the amount of muscle mass depending on age, body mass index, and the physical activity score (P=0.042). CONCLUSION: Among other positive effects, regular exercise increases muscle mass in patients with MDD and, therefore, should be recommended as an additional treatment tool.

Improved early outcome after TKA through an app-based active muscle training programme-a randomized-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective randomized-controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate if an app-based feedback-controlled active muscle training programme can be used to improve the outcome in the immediate postoperative period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Sixty patients, with a median age of 65.9 years (range 45-84), awaiting primary TKA were randomized into a control and training group. Both groups followed an identical postoperative protocol. In addition, the training group postoperatively performed an app-based feedback-controlled active muscle training programme multiple times daily. Outcome measures were active and passive range of motion (ROM), pain at rest and in motion, knee extension strength, the timed "Up and Go", 10-m Walk Test, 30-s Chair Stand Test, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Society Score (KSS), and clinical data. RESULTS: The training group performed an average of 18.4 training sessions, which led to significantly higher ROM, less pain at rest and in motion, higher strength, and significantly higher functional scores. More training correlated with a better outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an app-based feedback-controlled active muscle training programme can improve the clinical outcome after TKA, especially ROM and reduce pain. Clinically relevant is that the training programme could be considered an alternative to continuous passive motion after total knee arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Fun During Knee Rehabilitation: Feasibility and Acceptability Testing of a New Android-Based Training Device.

PURPOSE: The initial goals of rehabilitation after knee injuries and operations are to achieve full knee extension and to activate quadriceps muscle. In addition to regular physiotherapy, an android-based knee training device is designed to help patients achieve these goals and improve compliance in the early rehabilitation period. This knee training device combines fun in a computer game with muscular training or rehabilitation. Our aim was to test the feasibility and acceptability of this new device. METHODS: 50 volunteered subjects enrolled to test out the computer game aided device. The first game was the high-striker game, which recorded maximum knee extension power. The second game involved controlling quadriceps muscular power to simulate flying an aeroplane in order to record accuracy of muscle activation. The subjects evaluated this game by completing a simple questionnaire. RESULTS: No technical problem was encountered during the usage of this device. No subjects complained of any discomfort after using this device. Measurements including maximum knee extension power, knee muscle activation and control were recorded successfully. Subjects rated their experience with the device as either excellent or very good and agreed that the device can motivate and monitor the progress of knee rehabilitation training. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first android-based tool available to fast track knee rehabilitation training. All subjects gave very positive feedback to this computer game aided knee device.

Evaluation of the acceptability of a sphygmomanometer device in knee extension training following surgical procedures of the knee.

BACKGROUND: The postoperative treatment after a standard surgical intervention such as knee arthroplasty, proximal tibial osteotomy or supracondylar osteotomy, can have an important impact on the overall treatment outcome. In most cases, outcomes are positively effected by patients receiving physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Basic movements and range of motion need to be learnt. Self-responsible behaviour, which is similar to exercise programs in sports, needs to be supported. However, in most cases the transfer of training techniques into successful and desired postoperative care is not simple. A training technique needs to be developed which is self-explanatory, effective, encouraging for and accessible to the patient. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate an easy and effective technique to support regular physiotherapy in early postoperative rehabilitation using a sphygmomanometer device. Measurements were undertaken relating to handling, training results and motivation. DESIGN: This was a descriptive study. METHODS: Forty one patients were instructed to undertake extension exercises of the knee in the early postoperative phase. A sphygmomanometer cuff was rolled out and placed just below the popliteal fossa, and inflated to 20 mmHg. In this position the patients were prompted to push the knee down with the maximum available power. The quadriceps muscle of the leg is activated when patients extend the knee using two thirds of their maximum power, and then followed by one third of their maximum power. This exercise sequence was carried out three times for 5 seconds. The results were documented by using a patient questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirteen patients indicated that they felt highly motivated while undertaking the training program. One patient reported poor motivation due to inconvenient handling (preparing the cuff by closing the valve screw or calculating the target value) and six patients reported that the method of handwritten recording of training sessions needed to be improved. There were no technical problems. The training results were rated as being predominantly good. Due to the variation in individual ability in extending the knee, comparison of the overall values obtained could not be done. CONCLUSION: The use of a sphygmomanometer device is cheap and feasible technique in postoperative independent knee extension training.