Radar based monitoring and innovative prehabilitation in TKA patients

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  ROBUST-KNEE: Feasibility study evaluating the Radar-based system fOr gait monitoring versus camera-based systems integrated with testing of Blood-flow occlUsion Strength Training in total KNEE arthroplasty

• IRAS ID

  353496

• Contact name

  Swati Chopra

• Contact email

  swati.chopra@gjnh.scot.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Golden Jubilee University National Hospital

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 11 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  This study aims to help patients who are waiting for knee replacement surgery, particularly those who have multiple health conditions and reduced muscle strength. We will test two main things:

  A special exercise technique called Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT), which allows patients to build muscle strength using lighter weights than traditional exercise. This could be particularly helpful for patients who find regular exercise too painful.

  A new radar-based system for monitoring how patients walk and move, which works like a WiFi router and doesn't require wearing any devices. This system is being used within its intended purpose of monitoring patient movement and gait, but the study aims to validate its accuracy and effectiveness compared to standard camera-based systems.

  We will recruit 24 patients who are waiting for knee replacement surgery at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital. These patients will be randomly divided into three groups of 8 people each:
  • Group 1 will do exercises with BFRT
  • Group 2 will do regular physiotherapy exercises
  • Group 3 will do home exercises

  Participants will be assessed three times: before starting exercises, after completing the 5-week exercise program, and 6 weeks after their knee surgery. The patients will participate in the study for 3 months, inclusive of the above.

  During assessments, we'll measure muscle strength, knee movement, and ask participants about their pain levels and quality of life.

  The exercise sessions will be supervised by trained physiotherapists twice a week. The radar monitoring system will be used during assessment sessions to track movement patterns, and its accuracy will be compared to standard camera-based systems.

  This research could help develop better exercise programs for patients waiting for knee surgery and create new ways to monitor patient progress without requiring wearable devices. After the study, participants will be invited to discuss their experiences in a focus group to help improve future treatments.

• REC name

  London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  25/PR/0264

• Date of REC Opinion

  11 Mar 2025

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion