Physical Activity Mediates the Relationship between Gait Function and Fall Incidence after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Falls are a significant concern for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
• Predicting and mitigating fall risk post-TKA is essential for patient recovery and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify preoperative predictors of postoperative falls in TKA patients.
• To investigate the mediating role of postoperative physical activity (PA) on the relationship between gait function and fall incidence.
• To determine the association between postoperative PA levels and fall risk.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six TKA patients were monitored for 6 months postoperatively.
• Evaluated preoperative factors including Timed Up and Go (TUG), knee pain, and knee extensor strength.
• Assessed postoperative fall incidence, PA levels (categorized by daily steps), and gait function (TUG).

Main Results:

• Twenty-six percent of patients experienced at least one fall.
• Preoperative TUG, knee pain, and knee extensor strength significantly predicted postoperative falls.
• Postoperative PA mediated the relationship between gait function and fall incidence.
• Lower PA levels were associated with a significantly higher relative fall incidence rate.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative assessment of TUG, muscle strength, and knee pain effectively predicts fall risk in TKA patients.
• Increasing postoperative PA can significantly reduce fall incidence.
• Combining preoperative fall risk screening with postoperative PA management is recommended for TKA patients.