Effectiveness of Exercise Programs Following Total Hip and Knee Joint Arthroplasty

Rehabilitation program following total hip and knee joint arthroplasty typically focus on joint range of motion and muscle strengthening exercises. Although the balance ability of these patients tends to be reduced, leading to limitations in mobility and activities of daily living, clinicians often assume that strength and joint range of motion exercises will ultimately lead to improvement in balance, making the typical exercise programs appropriate. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing balance specific exercises during the post-operative period is unclear.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with primary unilateral total hip or knee joint arthroplasty.
• Patients who had been advised to weight bear as tolerated following surgery.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who had been advised by their surgeon to remain non-weight bearing or partial weight bearing on the operated leg or unoperated leg.
• Patients with neurological conditions such as hemiplegia, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord compression that might affect balance.