A randomized controlled trial assessing the effects of preoperative strengthening plus balance training on balance and functional outcome up to 1year following total knee replacement.

Abstract

To investigate the effects of including balance training in a preoperative strengthening intervention on balance and functional outcomes in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) and compare these effects to those induced by preoperative strengthening and no intervention. Eighty-two subjects scheduled for TKR were randomly allocated into the strengthening (ST, n = 28) group: a preoperative lower limb strengthening intervention; the strengthening + balance (ST + B, n = 28) group: same intervention augmented with balance training; and the control group (n = 26). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the function in daily living subscale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-ADL) were the primary outcomes. The secondary measures included balance and mobility, self-reported status, and knee function. The outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1week before surgery, and 2, (primary endpoint), 6 and 52weeks after surgery. Compared with the controls, the participants in the ST and ST + B groups presented significant improvements from baseline to the end of the preoperative intervention in BBS (p = 0.005) and KOOS-ADL (p < 0.001). At 6weeks post-surgery, the knee extensor strength values were similar in the two treatment groups and significantly higher than that in the controls. Overall, the participant outcomes in all groups stabilized at 1year after surgery. A preoperative strengthening intervention, regardless of whether it is complemented with balance training, enhances strength but not balance or functional outcomes at 6weeks after surgery. Patients are expected to present similar performance at 1year postoperatively, but adequately statistically powered trials are needed to confirm the findings. II. NCT02995668.