Organization of postural responses following a rotational support surface perturbation, after TKA: Sagittal plane rotations

Abstract

Proprioceptive dysfunction, related to osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be related to changes in gait, and may result in balance impairment. This study examined the organization of postural responses to rotational support surface perturbations after TKA. Eight TKA patients and nine control participants volunteered. EMG was collected bilaterally from lower limb muscles. Kinematic data were collected using an OPTOTRAK system. The temporal pattern of muscle activation was preserved in both the surgical and sound limbs of the patient groups, while muscle activation amplitude was reduced. Knee joint angular displacement was reduced in both limbs among patients. COM displacement was not different. Patients demonstrated a different method in recovering posture control following a postural perturbation. Bilateral changes appear to reflect a simplification in the organization of the motor response, in response to the needs of the injured, or previously injured limb.