Brief summary, from the abstract
In this randomized trial of patients having total knee arthroplasty, a high-intensity progressive rehabilitation program led to better knee function, less pain, and faster recovery than routine rehabilitation.
- 78 patients were randomized to high-intensity progressive training or routine rehabilitation.
- The high-intensity group had significantly higher HSS knee scores at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months (P < .001), with lower pain at 24 hours, 3 days, and 2 weeks (P < .001).
- They also stood and walked sooner, reported higher satisfaction and quality of life at 3 months (P < .001), and had shorter hospital stays.
- Evidence is from a single, relatively small single-center trial, so results need confirmation in larger studies.
Clinically assessing this area? See the knee special tests.