Understanding why people do or do not engage in activities following total joint replacement: a longitudinal...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Total joint replacement (TJR) significantly improves basic mobility and daily living.
• However, quantitative studies show minimal increases in health-benefiting activities post-TJR.
• Understanding barriers to post-TJR activity engagement is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the reasons behind participation or non-participation in activities after total hip or knee replacement.
• To identify factors influencing individuals' engagement in health-promoting activities post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal qualitative study design.
• Constructivist grounded theory sampling with semi-structured interviews.
• Constant comparative analysis of coded thematic patterns.

Main Results:

• Twenty-nine patients interviewed pre- and post-TJR (8 and 18 months).
• Significant variability observed in return-to-activity patterns.
• Five emergent themes identified, emphasizing socio-cultural and non-medical factors.

Conclusions:

• Multi-faceted experiences, including identity and lifestyle changes, impact post-TJR activity.
• A need exists for enhanced support to increase post-TJR engagement.
• Personalized interventions are critical for promoting healthy aging in TJR patients.