Does physiotherapy prehabilitation improve pre-surgical outcomes and influence patient expectations prior to knee and...

Evidence supporting physiotherapy prior to hip or knee replacement for decreasing pain and improving function pre and post-operatively is equivocal. This observational cohort study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate whether 8 weeks of physiotherapy led exercise and education ('prehabilitation') would change pain and functional outcomes prior to surgery, and if patients' expectations and satisfaction post-surgery were influenced.

Participants awaiting THR or TKR were recruited (n = 75). Fifty two opted into the 'prehabilitation' group while twenty three opted for usual care. The prehabilitation group included a 45 min exercise and 15 min education session twice weekly for 8 weeks. All participants completed the WOMAC, NRS, Health Thermometer, 5xSTS and TUG outcome measures. Data were collected before and after prehabilitation and 6 weeks after surgery. Qualitative data were collected from 22 participants via telephone interviews and analysed inductively.

Both groups improved post surgery. The prehabilitation group showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures after prehabilitation (pre-surgery). Participants' felt prehabilitation prepared them well for surgery and influenced expectations post-operatively. Group education talks and the experience of friends and family appeared highly valued information sources.

Prehabilitation improved patients' pain and function before hip or knee replacement surgery.