Physical activity and lifestyle management after joint replacement surgery (PALMS): A feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Lifestyle management is crucial after joint replacement surgery.
• Physical activity programs can aid recovery and improve long-term outcomes.
• The feasibility of structured programs like PALMS needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of the Physical Activity Lifestyle Management after Surgery (PALMS) program.
• To evaluate the acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality of PALMS.
• To explore the program's impact on physical activity and functioning post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic pre-post feasibility study design.
• Inclusion of patients referred to community rehabilitation post-hip or knee replacement.
• A six-week program involving health screening, group exercise, and education.

Main Results:

• High participant and clinician acceptability and adherence.
• Significant increases in physical activity (METS min/wk) and physical functioning (6-min walk test).
• Recruitment rates and participant agreement did not meet targets, indicating areas for improvement.

Conclusions:

• The PALMS program is a feasible group intervention for post-joint replacement surgery patients.
• The program demonstrated short-term benefits in physical activity and function.
• Future trials should focus on refining recruitment strategies to evaluate effectiveness.