Effect of knee joint function training on joint functional rehabilitation after knee replacement

This retrospective study investigated the effect of knee joint function training (KJFT) on joint functional rehabilitation after knee replacement in Chinese patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Eighty-six eligible patients with severe KOA were included. Of those, 43 patients in the intervention group received KJFT and educational program, while the other 43 patients received educational program only. Primary outcome was measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes were measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 week before and 3 months after the surgery. Patients in the intervention group showed encouraging benefit neither at 1 week before nor 3 months after the surgery in all outcome measurements, including WOMAC, VAS, and KOOS, when compared with the patients in the control group. The results of this study did not show promising effect of KJFT for joint functional rehabilitation in Chinese patients with KOA after KJR.