2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (33): 5311-5316

Early hip abductor training to improve balance and walking ability after total knee arthroplasty

Quan Honglei1, Zheng Jiejiao1, 2, Feng Youyan1, Zhang Jie2, Zhu Yinghui1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The functional recovery of patients after total knee arthroplasty is not ideal. Routine rehabilitation pays more attention to the rehabilitation of the tissue around the knee joint, but neglects the training of the abductor muscle of the hip. There is a correlation between hip abductor and limb function of patients with total knee arthroplasty, but the specific effect remains to be studied.  
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of hip abductor training on balance and walking function recovery in patients with total knee arthroplasty.
METHODS: From March 2020 to May 2021, 60 patients with unilateral total knee arthroplasty from Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University were randomly divided into trial group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The control group received conventional treatment. The trial group received conventional treatment and hip abductor training. Hip abductor isokinetic muscle strength, knee function score, single leg stance, Timed Up and Go test, and three-dimensional gait analysis were assessed in both groups before and 4 weeks after treatment.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The hip abductor isokinetic muscle strength was significantly higher in the trial group than that of the control group 4 weeks after treatment (P < 0.05). (2) At 4 weeks after treatment, Knee Society Score was significantly higher in the trial group than that of the control group (P < 0.05). (3) At 4 weeks after treatment, single leg stance time was significantly longer in the trial group than that in the control group; Timed Up and Go test time was significantly shorter in the trial group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). (4) At 4 weeks after treatment, the proportion of walking amplitude and affected side support phase was significantly better in the trial group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). (5) These findings have verified that early hip abductor training after total knee arthroplasty can increase hip abductor muscle strength and improve patients’ balance and walking function. However, its rehabilitation program and long-term efficacy still need further research.
Key words: total knee arthroplasty, hip abductor, rehabilitation training, balance, walking function