After total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery, a decline in muscle strength is associated with a decrease in function. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of a further 24 weeks of hospital-based resistance training under supervision, and precise dose on knee functional recovery and daily activities for female TKA patients.
Twenty-nine patients who underwent unilateral primary TKA were allocated into either resistance training (RT) (n = 14) or control (CON) (n = 15) groups. All patients were assessed, with an isokinetic dynamometer, for hip and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength, physical function test, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Resistance training was initiated three months after index surgery. The assessments were performed before exercise (Baseline), in the middle of the resistance training at 12 weeks (Mid-exercise), completion of the resistance training (Post-exercise), and 12 weeks after resistance training completion (Follow-up). A statistical test was performed by using generalized estimating equations.
Patients in RT had more of an increase in both knee extensor and flexor muscle strength than those in CON at the Post-exercise assessment. The six-minute walk test distance was more in RT compared with CON at the same Post-exercise assessment. Furthermore, the RT group had increases in Activities of daily living and Sports subscales compared to the CON group.
A further 24 weeks of hospital-based progressive resistance training facilitated improvement in knee muscle strength and functional outcome in TKA patients. Active hospital-based progressive resistance training is recommended for rehabilitation following TKA surgery.