Visual-feedback Balance Platform Training Combined with Conventional Rehabilitation for Balance Function after Total...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for end-stage knee osteoarthritis.
• Postoperative rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and balance in elderly TKA patients.
• Conventional rehabilitation may not fully optimize balance recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of combining visual-feedback balance platform training with conventional rehabilitation.
• To compare the outcomes of this combined approach against conventional rehabilitation alone in elderly TKA patients.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 60 elderly patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA.
• Participants were assigned to a control group (conventional rehabilitation) or an observation group (conventional rehabilitation + visual-feedback balance platform training).
• Intervention involved 5 weekly sessions of visual-feedback training for 5 weeks, starting in the second postoperative week. Balance and functional mobility were assessed using specific metrics and tests.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in balance and functional mobility post-intervention.
• The observation group demonstrated significantly superior improvements in static stability (Length of Movement Trajectory, Area of Movement Ellipse) and dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test).
• Enhanced functional mobility was also observed in the observation group for Single-Leg Stance, Timed Sit-to-Stand, and Timed Stair Test compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Integrating visual-feedback balance platform training with conventional rehabilitation significantly enhances static and dynamic balance in elderly TKA patients.
• This combined therapy offers superior efficacy compared to conventional rehabilitation alone.
• Visual-feedback balance training is a valuable adjunct for improving postoperative outcomes in TKA patients.