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NCT Number: NCT07696195

The Effectiveness of Resistance Training for Patients With Degenerative Arthritis After Surgery

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Osteoarthritis Arthritis Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Osteoarthritis, Knee Rheumatic Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation

Hualien City, Taiwan, 97060

About this study

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:

  • Control Group: Received routine postoperative rehabilitation care.
  • 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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of osteoarthritis requiring first-time unilateral lower limb total joint arthroplasty
  • No planned surgery on the contralateral limb
  • Clear consciousness and ability to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese
  • Independent ambulation before surgery
  • Adequate vision and hearing (with correction if needed)
  • Community-dwelling status
  • Willing to participate in this study

Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to ambulate independently
  • Medical contraindications to exercise
  • Severe musculoskeletal conditions other than osteoarthritis
  • Same-day admission and surgery
  • Bilateral joint arthroplasty

Treatment and study plan

Progressive Lower Extremity Resistance Exercise

Behavioral

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.

Routine Postoperative Rehabilitation Care

Behavioral

Participants in the control group received routine postoperative rehabilitation care.

Primary outcomes

  1. Lower Extremity Muscle Endurance

    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.

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Balance Performance

    Time frame: Shorter completion times (fewer seconds) mean a better outcome (better dynamic 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.

Other outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: The score ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Higher scores mean a worse outcome (greater pain intensity). All assessments are conducted by the same researcher to ensure consistency.

    Assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

  2. quality of life

    Time frame: This 28-item instrument covers physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental factors. The total score ranges from 28 to 112 ,Higher scores mean a better outcome (better perceived quality of life).

    Assessed using the Taiwan version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Tzu Chi University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of Resistance Training for Patients With Degenerative Arthritis After Surgery- A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Acronym: Arthritis

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 10, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 10, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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