Differences between actual and expected leisure activities after total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

This prospective cohort study determined the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of actual vs expected leisure activity among a cohort undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Data on actual and expected participation in 36 leisure activities were collected preoperatively and at 12 months in 90 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Despite high expectations, there were statistically and clinically significant differences between actual and expected activity at 12 months suggesting that expectations may not have been fulfilled. The differences were equivalent to walking 14 less miles per week than expected, which is more than the amount of activity recommended in national physical activity guidelines. Perhaps an educational intervention could be implemented to help patients establish appropriate and realistic leisure activity expectations before surgery.