Knee functions and rehabilitation 12 months after knee replacement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can task-orientated rehabilitation improve knee function in patients 12 months after knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis?
IRAS ID
170840
Contact name
Helen L. Birch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common and debilitating disease, which at the end stage requires joint replacement. Even though the surgical procedure may have been successful, patient satisfaction is much less for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) than for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The likely potential for improvement has not been fully explored.
Patient satisfaction and perceived function are measured by The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) questionnaire, a subjective measurement based on daily activities. Patients’ gait assessment gives objective functional outcome. This study proposes that lower patient satisfaction results from reduced functional mobility, which is the result of impaired gait following TKA. Understanding the relationship between gait, mobility and satisfaction in patients with knee OA is of significant importance, so that better rehabilitation can be designed and implemented.
In Stage 1 of the study, 100 patients (12 months after TKA) will be assessed using the OKS questionnaire. Their gait will be assessed at the same time using inertial movement units (IMU). These data will be used to determine the relationship between quality (normal or impaired gait) and quantity (functional mobility) of gait, and enhanced mobility as an important factor in patient satisfaction after TKA. A sub-set of 5 patients will be measured on the instrumented treadmill in the Motor Learning Laboratory, RNOH, and compared to 5 age matched controls to provide additional gait measurements. This information will be valuable in designing the most appropriate assessment in future studies.
In Stage 2, 24 patients with poor outcome following TKA will be selected for task-orientated rehabilitation (TOR). A 4-week daily home activities programme will be prescribed. Their satisfaction, measured by OKS and gait, using IMUs will be reassessed after this 4 weeks rehabilitation programme.
Specific TOR may significantly improve gait quality, thereby offering more effective rehabilitation of TKA patients.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0164
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion