[Maximum isometric force of the quadriceps and hamstrings and functionality after total knee arthroplasty]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Gonarthrosis is a common condition in older adults, often necessitating total knee replacement (TKA).
• Quadriceps muscle strength is crucial for post-TKA functional recovery.
• Kinesitherapy is a standard rehabilitation approach for TKA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in quadriceps muscle strength and its impact on functionality in TKA patients undergoing kinesitherapy.
• To compare outcomes between genders and identify factors influencing treatment duration.

Main Methods:

• Assessed maximum isometric strength (MIF), Time Up and Go, Standing and Sitting Test, Unipodal Support, and WOMAC scale pre- and post-kinesitherapy.
• Included patients operated for TKA at Hospital El Carmen de Maipú.
• Analyzed data considering gender and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in MIF, functional tests, and WOMAC scores were observed post-intervention in both genders.
• Males demonstrated superior performance in specific functional tests (Time Up and Go, Standing and Sitting).
• Higher BMI (>30 kg/m²) was associated with a lower likelihood of early treatment completion, while non-dominant knee injuries increased the chance of longer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Kinesitherapy effectively enhances quadriceps strength and functional recovery in TKA patients.
• Gender influences baseline functional performance, but both benefit from rehabilitation.
• BMI and injury characteristics are factors affecting TKA rehabilitation timelines.