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Promoting physical activity via physical therapist following knee replacement: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Christine A Pellegrini1, Debbie Brown2, Katherine E DeVivo1
1Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
PM & R : the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation
|September 15, 2022
Summary
Integrating physical activity interventions into outpatient physical therapy for knee replacement patients is feasible. However, this pilot study did not show significant increases in moderate-intensity activity compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Outpatient physical therapy presents a potential opportunity to encourage aerobic physical activity post-knee replacement.
- The feasibility of integrating such physical activity interventions into standard physical therapy protocols remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention delivered during outpatient physical therapy for individuals following knee replacement surgery.
- To evaluate the impact of the intervention on physical activity levels, pain, and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cluster randomized trial involving adults undergoing knee replacement, recruited from four physical therapy sites.
- Participants received either standard physical therapy or an enhanced intervention including goal setting, problem-solving, and motivational interviewing to achieve 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
- Feasibility and acceptability were measured by recruitment and retention rates; outcomes included objectively measured physical activity, pain, and self-reported function at baseline and 12 weeks post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Thirty-three percent of screened candidates were randomized (n=45), with 91% retention at 12 weeks, irrespective of the condition.
- While moderate-intensity activity showed an increase, and pain and self-reported function improved, no statistically significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups at 12 weeks.
Conclusions:
- The integration of a physical activity intervention within outpatient physical therapy for knee replacement patients is feasible.
- This pilot study did not demonstrate significant changes in moderate-intensity physical activity compared to standard care, suggesting a need for further research into effective strategies and optimal timing for promoting physical activity.
