[Coordinative abilities of arthroplasty patients]

The aim of the study was to examine the coordinative abilities of arthroplasty patients in comparison to age-matched healthy individuals with a special test profile. Furthermore, we wanted to evaluate the effect of a coordinative training program performed in the late period of rehabilitation on the patients' coordinative status.

We measured the coordinative abilities of 75 arthroplasty patients and age-matched healthy individuals with a special test profile for arthroplasty patients. In a prospective study, the effect of a six-week comprehensive coordinative training program 3-6 months after implantation was evaluated for 56 patients. A test profile developed for this investigation served to evaluate the effect of the training on the coordinative abilities.

There are significant differences in the coordinative abilities between arthroplasty patients 3-6 months after implantation and age-matched healthy probands. The coordinative abilities can be improved significantly by special coordinative training.

By means of our test profile, rehabilitation outcome with regard to motor coordination becomes measurable and rateable. The values of healthy individuals serve as a baseline. A classification of the motor coordination before and after rehabilitation is possible. In the late period of rehabilitation clear deficits remain. A special training can improve the motor coordination of patients with arthroplasties. The training program is regarded as an important and fundamental part of the rehabilitation.