Researchers randomized 162 participants into either the high-intensity rehabilitation group or the low-intensity rehabilitation group after total knee replacement.
The high-intensity intervention’s key components were use of progressive resistance exercises and a rapid progression to weight-bearing exercises and activities. Providers treated both groups in an outpatient setting two times to three times per week for 11 weeks. Researchers assessed outcomes preoperatively and at one, two, three, six and 12 months postoperatively.
Here are three insights:
1. There were no significant differences between the groups at three or 12 months in terms of outcome measure, which include the stair climbing test and timed-up-and-go test.
2. The outcomes on the following tests had improved beyond baseline performance in both groups by 12 months:
• The six-minute walk test
• Timed-up-and-go test
• Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index
• Short-Form 12
• Quadriceps and hamstring strength
• Quadriceps activation
3. Thus, high-intensity progressive rehabilitation is safe for individuals after total knee replacement. However, study authors note, the arthrogenic muscular inhibition in the initial period after the procedure may limit its effectiveness.
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