Physical activity levels after hip and knee joint replacement surgery: an observational study.
Usual care after hip or knee joint replacement does not adequately address the problem of low physical activity levels. We aimed to determine whether exercise delivered in a group setting in the early stage of outpatient rehabilitation influenced self-reported physical activity levels after hip or knee joint replacement. A case series of 79 participants referred to a 6-week outpatient orthopaedic exercise group after total hip or knee replacement were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. Physical function was evaluated using Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) recommended performance-based tests (30 s Chair Stand Test, 40 m Fast Pace Walk Test, Stair Climb Test, Timed Up and Go Test, 6 Minute Walk Test). Measures were assessed at admission, discharge and 6 weeks after group discharge. Non-parametric analysis was conducted for IPAQ scores. Analysis of functional measures was conducted with linear mixed models with time modelled as a repeated measure. Standard multiple regression and correlation analysis were conducted. Fifty-four participants completed the study. Self-reported activity levels improved significantly at program discharge but not at 6-week follow-up. All performance-based measures improved significantly at program discharge. Fast-paced walking and 6 Minute Walk Test measures continued to improve at 6-week follow-up. Group dynamics present in an outpatient rehabilitation exercise program may increase physical activity levels during group participation but not after group cessation. Performance in all functional measures improved at group discharge.
['Hawke|Lyndon J|LJ|', 'Shields|Nora|N|', 'Dowsey|Michelle M|MM|', 'Choong|Peter F M|PFM|', 'Taylor|Nicholas F|NF|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D000553:Ambulatory Care D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee D015444:Exercise D005081:Exercise Therapy D005260:Female D006801:Humans D016014:Linear Models D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee D011446:Prospective Studies D055070:Resistance Training D000070857:Walk Test
Physical activity Joint replacement Exercise Group Osteoarthritis