Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease that significantly impacts mobility and disability in older adults. This pilot randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effects of a three-month resistance training program on lower limb muscular endurance, balance performance, pain, and quality of life among patients who had undergone unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving resistance training or the control group receiving routine postoperative rehabilitation. The study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of these interventions to provide insights into incorporating resistance training into postoperative nursing care and recovery programs.
This study employed an interventional, experimental design with a three-month follow-up to investigate the effectiveness of a progressive lower extremity resistance training program for patients with osteoarthritis following unilateral total joint arthroplasty. The study adhered to the CONSORT guidelines for reporting clinical trials. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: 1. Control Group: Received routine postoperative rehabilitation care. 2. Experimental Group: Received a progressive lower extremity resistance exercise program in addition to routine care. The program utilized 1-kg ankle weights and included seated knee extension, standing hamstring curls, and hip abduction. Training sessions were performed three times per week for three months, with the training volume progressively adjusted as follows: * 1st Postoperative Month: Performed on the non-operated limb only (2 sets per exercise). * 2nd Postoperative Month: Continued on the non-operated limb (3 sets) and introduced to the operated limb (2 sets). * 3rd Postoperative Month: Increased to 4 sets for the non-operated limb and 3 sets for the operated limb. Each set consisted of 10 repetitions with a 1-minute rest between sets. Participants also received an illustrated exercise leaflet to enhance safety and adherence.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
A 3-month progressive resistance training program utilizing 1-kg ankle weights, including seated knee extension, standing hamstring curls, and hip abduction. Training sessions were performed 3 times per week, with progressive adjustments in training volume (sets and repetitions) for both operated and non-operated limbs over the 3-month period.
Participants in the control group received routine postoperative rehabilitation care.
Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation
Hualien City, Taiwan, Taiwan
Lower Extremity Muscle Endurance
Assessed using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. This test measures the total number of completed stands a participant can perform from a seated position to a full stand within 30 seconds.
Time frame: A higher number of completed stands means a better outcome (better lower extremity muscular endurance). To ensure safety for postoperative patients, a four-legged walker is placed in front of the chair during testing.
Balance Performance
Assessed using the 2.44-Meter Timed Up-and-Go-Based Chair Rise and Obstacle Navigation Test, which measures the time (in seconds) taken to complete the functional mobility task.
Time frame: Shorter completion times (fewer seconds) mean a better outcome (better dynamic balance performance).
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