Researchers conducted two studies, analyzing whether self-guided and accelerated therapy programs could prove beneficial after total joint replacements. Researchers presented both studies at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting in Orlando, Fla.
One study analyzed 89 patients who underwent THR and 10 weeks of physical therapy. Of those patients, 48 went to a few weekly therapy sessions in outpatient facilities with out-of-pocket costs ranging between $10 and $60 per session. Forty-one patients received written instructions and illustrations to perform the same exercises at home, at no cost.
Here are three observations:
1. At one month and six month check-ins following the procedures, both groups demonstrated similar levels of pain, activity, range-of-motion and stiffness.
2. The researchers concluded patients with prescribed home exercises progressed comparably to those who received physical therapy at outpatient facilities.
3. "This study also demonstrates how we can more optimally utilize health resources and lower costs," said Matt Austin, MD, of Philadelphia-based Rothman Institute.
The second study analyzed 162 Boulder-based University of Colorado patients who received total knee replacements. Divided into two groups for high- and low-intensity therapy, all patients received 25 physical therapy sessions over 12 weeks.
Here are three takeaways:
1. Patients who activated more of their quadriceps earlier in therapy demonstrated better rehabilitation progress, in terms of climbing stairs.
2. Strengthening exercise or neuromuscular electrical stimulation may enhance quadriceps activation.
3. "Quad activation is the biggest thing we have got to change to improve recovery and long-term function for knee replacement patients," said Douglas Dennis, MD.