BACKGROUND

The combination of exercise therapy combined with nutritional supplementation (Nutr) is widely used for frail or sarcopenic older persons. However, the effects of Nutr in elderly patients after fast-track total hip arthroplasty (THA) are unknown. This study examined the effects of perioperative Nutr on muscle strength, functional performance, and quality of life (QOL) in frail elderly women after fast-track THA.

METHODS

A total of 58 frail elderly women aged 65-80 years scheduled for unilateral primary THA were randomly allocated to two groups: the physical exercise (Ex) combined with Nutr (Ex + Nutr; n = 29) group, and the Ex alone (Ex; n = 29) group. Protein and vitamin D supplements were provided daily from 4 weeks preoperatively to 8 weeks postoperatively (12 weeks) to the patients in the Ex + Nutr group, whereas the Ex group did not receive any supplements. Surgery and postoperative rehabilitation programmes during intervention were identical in both groups. Hip abductor and knee extensor muscle strength, functional performance (Timed Up & Go test, Harris Hip Score), and QOL (Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks (8 weeks postoperatively).

RESULTS

After the intervention, hip abductor muscle strength on the contralateral leg and knee extensor muscle strength on both sides significantly improved in the Ex + Nutr group compared to the Ex group (p = 0.03, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively). However, hip abductor muscle strength on the operated side did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.23). There were no significant differences in functional performance and QOL.

CONCLUSION

Ex + Nutr does not have an additional effect on the improvement of hip abductor strength, functional performance, and QOL compared to Ex alone after fast-track THA. However, significant improvements were observed in the strength of some muscles after fast-track THA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN 000042964.

THE IRB APPROVAL

This study was approved by the Mirai Iryo Reesearch Center (approval number TGE1602-115).

Copyright © 2022 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: Gait disorders represent one of the most disabling aspects in multiple sclerosis (MS) that strongly influence patient quality of life. The improvement of walking ability is a primary goal for rehabilitation treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in association with physiotherapy treatment in patients affected by MS in comparison with ground conventional gait training. Study design: Randomized controlled crossover trial. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven participants affected by MS with EDSS scores between 3.5 and 7 were enrolled, of whom seventeen completed the study. They received five training sessions per week over five weeks of conventional gait training with (experimental group) or without (control group) the inclusion of RAGT. The patients were prospectively evaluated before and after the first treatment session and, after the crossover phase, before and after the second treatment session. The evaluation was based on the 25-foot walk test (25FW, main outcome), 6 min walk test (6MWT), Tinetti Test, Modified Ashworth Scale, and modified Motricity Index for lower limbs. We also measured disability parameters using Functional Independence Measure and Quality of Life Index, and instrumental kinematic and gait parameters: knee extensor strength, double-time support, step length ratio; 17 patients reached the final evaluation. Results: Both groups significantly improved on gait parameters, motor abilities, and autonomy recovery in daily living activities with generally better results of RAGT over control treatment. In particular, the RAGT group improved more than control group in the 25FW (p = 0.004) and the 6MWT (p = 0.022). Conclusions: RAGT is a valid treatment option that in association with physiotherapy could induce positive effects in MS-correlated gait disorders. Our results showed greater effectiveness in recovering gait speed and resistance than conventional gait training.

BACKGROUND

Adequate and intensive rehabilitation is an important requirement for successful Total Knee Arthroplasty. The primary focus of early rehabilitation is ambulation of patients and regaining range of motion in the knee. Although research suggests that Continuous Passive Motion should be implemented in the first rehabilitation phase following surgery, there is substantial debate about the duration of each session and the total period of CPM application and. A Cochrane review on this topic concluded that short-term use of CPM leads to greater short-term range of motion. It also suggested, however, that future research should concentrate on the treatment period during which CPM should be administered.

METHODS

In a randomised controlled trial we intend to investigate the efficacy of prolonged use of a continuous passive motion (CPM) device in the home situation as an adjunct to standardised physical therapy. The experimental treatment is compared to standardised physical therapy, in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Efficacy will be assessed in terms of faster improvements in range of motion and functional recovery. Seventy patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA and experiencing early postoperative flexion impairment (less than 80 degrees of knee flexion at the time of discharge) will be randomised over two treatment groups, a usual care group and an experimental group. The experimental group will receive CPM + physiotherapy for 17 consecutive days after surgery, whereas the usual care group will receive the same treatment during the in-hospital phase (i.e. about four days), followed by physical therapy alone (usual care) in the first two weeks after hospital discharge. From 18 days to three months after discharge, both groups will receive standardised PT. The primary focus of rehabilitation will be functional recovery (e.g. ambulation) and regaining range of motion (ROM) in the knee.

DISCUSSION

Because restricted knee ROM affects functional activities, knee ROM and knee function are regarded as the primary indicators of successful TKA. Potential effects of the intervention under study include rapid return of knee flexion accompanied by earlier return to functional activities of daily life. If patients benefit significantly from prolonged CPM use, this treatment should be added to the standard PT treatment at home. We expect the additional home CPM programme to be more effective than the usual physiotherapy programme, resulting in a difference in ROM of at least 5 degrees , 17 days after surgery. This clinically important difference, with a possible flexion ROM of about 100 degrees , is expected to lead to better functioning in activities of daily life, like walking, and earlier ability to cycle. These advantages should result in earlier and increasing independence.

This study examined the relationship between impairment of the knee and activity restriction during activities of daily living and sports following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee range of motion, swelling, pain, instability, ligamentous laxity, isometric and isokinetic muscle function and performance-based measures of activity restriction were measured in 44 subjects. Four measures of patient-reported activity restrictions, including the Activities of Daily Living, Sports Activities Scales of the Knee Outcome Survey, and global ratings of function during activities of daily life and sports, were statistically combined to create a composite variable representing the level of patient-reported activity restrictions for each subject. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that 17% of the variability in patient-reported activity restrictions was accounted for by age, length of postoperative follow-up, and mechanism of injury. Addition of the one-legged hop, Lachman, anterior drawer, and varus stress tests accounted for an additional 40% of the variability of function. When pain and giving way were added to the model, 79% of the variability was explained.