Physical activity levels after hip and knee joint replacement surgery: an observational study

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Geriatric exercise science

Background:

• Usual care post-hip or knee replacement often fails to sufficiently increase patient physical activity.
• Low physical activity levels can impede recovery and long-term outcomes after joint replacement surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of early, group-based outpatient exercise on physical activity and function in patients following hip or knee replacement.
• To assess whether improvements in physical activity and function are maintained post-program completion.

Main Methods:

• A case series design involving 79 participants undergoing total hip or knee replacement.
• Utilized the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form for self-reported activity.
• Employed Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) recommended performance-based tests to evaluate physical function at admission, discharge, and 6-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in self-reported physical activity were observed at program discharge, but not at the 6-week follow-up.
• All evaluated physical function measures demonstrated significant improvement by program discharge.
• Specific functional measures, including fast-paced walking and the 6-minute walk test, showed continued improvement at the 6-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Early outpatient orthopaedic exercise groups can enhance physical activity and function during participation.
• The positive effects on self-reported physical activity may not be sustained after program cessation, suggesting a need for ongoing strategies.
• Group dynamics may play a role in short-term adherence and motivation within the rehabilitation setting.