Training with Hybrid Assistive Limb for walking function after total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Wearable robots like the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) offer mobility assistance for individuals with impaired leg function.
• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical procedure for knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, often requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• Assessing novel rehabilitation strategies is crucial for improving post-TKA functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of HAL training on walking ability, range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength in patients following TKA.
• To compare the functional outcomes of HAL training with conventional rehabilitation methods in the post-TKA population.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving patients undergoing TKA, with one group receiving HAL training and the other conventional rehabilitation.
• HAL training was administered for 10-12 sessions over 4 weeks, starting 1 week post-TKA.
• Key functional parameters including gait speed, step length, ROM, and muscle strength were assessed at various time points.

Main Results:

• Patients in the HAL group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in walking speed and step length compared to the conventional group at 4 and 8 weeks post-TKA.
• The HAL group showed a reduced extension lag and knee pain at 2 weeks, along with enhanced knee extensor muscle strength at 8 weeks.
• No adverse events were reported in the HAL training group during the study period.

Conclusions:

• HAL training is a safe and effective rehabilitation intervention for patients after TKA, leading to earlier recovery of walking ability.
• This wearable robotic approach enhances functional outcomes, including walking ability, ROM, and muscle strength, compared to conventional physical therapy.
• HAL training represents a promising advancement in post-TKA rehabilitation strategies.